Chicken Pox

A common childhood disease, chicken pox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Adults too can be afflicted by this self-limiting disease. Usuallly, a person is affected by chicken pox just once in a lifetime. However the virus can lie dormant in the body and surface later as shingles. It is essential to consult the doctor if the rash spreads to the eye or it is accompanied by disorientation and dizziness. Rare complications of chicken pox include viral pneumonia or encephalitis. There is a risk of a birth defect if a pregnant woman contracts chicken pox in the first trimester.

Chicken pox surfaces as red and itchy rashes on the skin. These blisters appear on the face, arms, abdomen, mouth, ears and scalp. Over time the rashes get filled with clear fluid. They break open in a few days to crust over and become dark and dry scabs. A person suffering from chicken pox also tends to suffer symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat and abdominal pain. The symptoms are milder and the blisters are fewer when chicken pox affects children. Chicken pox is very contagious, especially in the first few days when the rash appears.

An episode of chicken pox lasts for a couple of weeks. Patients suffering from chicken pox usually do not require any medication. But they can be given cool baths to relieve itching. Calamine lotion when applied to the itchy areas can give relief. Children suffering from chicken pox must be given mild food that is easy on the digestion. The chicken pox vaccine is now given to prevent episode of chicken pox. This varicella vaccine is now part of the regular immunization schedule for chidren.

Shingles

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is a viral infection caused by Varicella zoster virus. It is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Shingles can develop in anyone who has had chicken pox. The chicken pox virus often remains dormant in the body's nerve root cells. It may surface years later in the form of shingles. It is likely to occur when the body is weak or stressed or immune defences are low. Shingles is not a contagious condition nor does it lead to cold sores or genital herpes.

Shingles appear as painful blisters. Shingles rashes appear as a cluster of raised red dots on one side of the body. They become filled with fluid and later dry out and form a crust. There is severe pain and sensitivity. Typically these painful blisters appear to affect one part of the body. There may be itching and tingling feeling on the skin before the shingles rashes appear. In cases of shingles where the eye is affected, it is essential to consult an opthalmologist immediately. A patient suffering from shingles may notice fever and headache.

Calamine lotion can be applied to affected areas to soothe the skin. Analgesics or NSAIDs can help in reducing pain. Antiviral medications are often prescribed for shingles. An attack of shingles might last for about a month.

Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis is a condition where the optic nerve gets inflamed. Due to the inflammation, light and visual images are not clearly transmitted to the brain. Optic neuritis can be caused by autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis or viral infections such as chicken pox or measles. Optic neuritis is usually the first sign of multiple sclerosis. This condition tends to affect more women than men.

Patients suffering from optic neuritis notice reduced vision. This is more so when the body temperature is elevated. The eyes are sore and painful when moved. There is reduced color perception and diminished peripheral vision. Persons suffering from optic neuritis may have headache and fever. The vision diminishes for about a week and then gradual improvement is noticed. Typically most patients suffering from optic neuritis tend to recover most of their vision within about 6 months.

The opthalmologist will test the patient's color vision and visual field. Eye presure and pupillary function will be examined. The optic disc is viewed with indirect ophthalmoscopy. Brain MRI may be taken for testing for multiple sclerosis. Intravenous steroid medication has shown results on those suffering from initial occurence of optic neuritis.