Chicken Pox 101

One of the most common diseases among kids is varicella. It's better known as chicken pox, and you may have a greater chance of catching it from your classmates now that you're back in school! So get educated on all the facts about chicken pox, and learn how to deal with it if you catch it!

Chicken Pox - Historical Background

Chicken pox is a human disease, so how did it get its name? Well, the disease causes the skin to break out in red bumps, which remind some peeps of chickpeas! The Latin word for chickpea is cicer, which evolved into the word, chicken. Chicken pox was originally thought to be related to the much more dangerous smallpox illness, but in the early 1900's, scientists realized chicken pox comes from a virus that causes fevers and blisters, whereas the smallpox virus causes mono. Mono is sometimes called the kissing disease cuz some peeps believe it can be transmitted by kissing!

Chicken Pox - Signs And Symptoms

Chicken pox is a highly contagious viral infection that usually lasts seven to 10 days. It's spread by direct contact, or transmitted through the air, like when a person coughs or sneezes. It's most commonly found in children aged five to nine years old, and occurs mostly in the late winter and early spring. Chicken pox causes an itchy red rash on the skin. The rash begins as small, red bumps that look like pimples! Eventually, these bumps turn into blisters, which will scab over. During the illness, you may feel sick and experience fever, headache, and/or stomach pains. If you have chicken pox, then you'll have to miss a few days of school so that you don't infect other kids.

Chicken Pox - Ease the Itch

Chicken pox totally sucks because pimple-like bumps grow all over your face and body! Worse yet, these bumps are totally itchy. Scratching can cause the blisters to pop, leaving you with scars. So try following these tips - they'll prevent you from going itch-crazy!

Soak in a bath filled with baking soda or oatmeal.

Apply calamine lotion to your skin to soothe the itchiness.

Wear gloves to bed so you won't scratch yourself while you sleep!

And here's the best news - you'll suffer this itchy illness just one time cuz chicken pox usually occurs only once in your lifetime!

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