Question
An 8-year-old child developed symptoms during a cold, with a fever of 38 degrees at night. After taking Merck’s fever-reducing medicine and ceftriaxone, the child continued to have a fever for two days. On the third day, blisters resembling millet seeds appeared on the neck. Subsequent examination of the entire body revealed blisters of varying sizes, as well as similar blisters on the face and scalp. An initial diagnosis suggested chickenpox, and treatments included Isatis Root Decoction and Gentian Violet ointment, which reduced the blisters. The child did not have a fever at night, and no new blisters appeared. Inquiring about past treatments and their effectiveness, any history of allergies, and what kind of assistance is needed: asking if this is chickenpox? Will the fever-reducing medicine and ceftriaxone affect the development of chickenpox? Now that the blisters have stopped appearing, how should the child be cared for?
Answer
Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, primarily occurring in winter and spring. It is highly contagious, transmitted through contact or droplets. The incidence rate among susceptible children can be over 95%, with preschool children being more common. The clinical characteristics are the appearance of macules, papules, and scabs on mucous membranes, with lesions in all stages present simultaneously. It is a self-limiting disease; after recovery, lifelong immunity can be obtained, and it may also recur years later as shingles. Children with chickenpox may develop serious complications such as varicella encephalitis or primary varicella pneumonia.