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What Causes Chicken Pox?

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Posted on Wed, 10 Feb 2016
Twitter Wed, 10 Feb 2016 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 30 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on
Question : What could be the cause of chicken pox. I don't think I exposed myself to anything.
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Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Exposure to those who are having chicken pox is the reason.

Detailed Answer:
HI

Thank you for asking HCM

I have gone through your query and pictures. It looks like chicken pox. Chicken pox spread by exposure with affected person. It is also an airborne infection. So it can spread by cough or sneeze of infected person. The infected person can spread the virus one or two days before the manifestation of disease.

This rashes and symptoms will last for 1 to 2 weeks. You need to be isolated for not to spread infection to others. Taking antiviral drugs like valacyclovir or famcyclovir will help to decrease the symptoms and for early recovery. Antihistamines like cetirizine (zyrtec) will be helpful for itching. You can also take paracetamol if there is fever or headache. Calamine lotion for local application on rashes also helps.

Let me know if anything not clear. I am happy to help you.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Nishad BN

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 5480 Questions

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What Causes Chicken Pox?

Brief Answer: Exposure to those who are having chicken pox is the reason. Detailed Answer: HI Thank you for asking HCM I have gone through your query and pictures. It looks like chicken pox. Chicken pox spread by exposure with affected person. It is also an airborne infection. So it can spread by cough or sneeze of infected person. The infected person can spread the virus one or two days before the manifestation of disease. This rashes and symptoms will last for 1 to 2 weeks. You need to be isolated for not to spread infection to others. Taking antiviral drugs like valacyclovir or famcyclovir will help to decrease the symptoms and for early recovery. Antihistamines like cetirizine (zyrtec) will be helpful for itching. You can also take paracetamol if there is fever or headache. Calamine lotion for local application on rashes also helps. Let me know if anything not clear. I am happy to help you. Thanks.