Chickenpox

[NadiaMac]

hi there-
I had it at age 29 and it sucked. Aside from the misery and itching, it was hands down the sickest I've ever been and I was left very weak and drained for a few months afterwards. I really feel for you. Take good care of yourself!

Something to ask the doctor about if you are inclined: would a course of anti-viral drug be beneficial (I was prescribed acyclovir; even with this, I was still sick with visible poxes for over 20 days). Gamma gobulin (I think) is also prescribed for serious cases, but I think this has to be given very early in the illness.
Wearing gloves helps minimize scratching damage, as suggested above (especially when you are sleeping, if you wake up and find that you've been scratching). I also dosed myself heavily with benedryl (which I ordinarily avoid because I am very sensitive to it), used calamine, and took lukewarm/cool showers to ease the itching. Head's up: the facial poxes seem very prone to scarring, so try to avoid digging into them. I ended up with two very small pits on my face, but no other scars despite abundant scratching at arms/ankles etc.


Good luck!

[makbike]

I came down with the dreaded chickenpoxes the first year I taught (I was 29 years old). Unfortunately, I did not know I was carrying the virus and shared it over Christmas break with my two brothers. Needless to say I was not a popular person for awhile.

The best advise I got when I found out I had them was to put Vaseline on the poxes that had been scratched. I followed this advise prevented major scars. I also went to bed with tube socks taped on my hands to keep myself from digging in my sleep.

You might want to talk to your doctor about a strong antihistamine - this will help with the itching and will help you sleep. Your body needs the rest to recharge.

Take care!

[bmccasland]

Get well wishes! Hope you get to feeling much better very soon.

[RolliePollie]

Oh you poor thing!

I had them when I was 22 and it's the sickest I have ever been. I had a 103 fever for I think 4 days and overdosed myself on Benadryl to try and stop the itching. I feel for you. Hang in there...and when you start feeling better, treat yourself to some Ben & Jerry's or something!


p.s. signs of wayyyy too much Benadryl included hallucinations, slurred speech, and one big pupil and one little pupil. It helped with the itching, but if you take it, make sure and follow the dosage on the box!