Table of contents:
- Chicken pox myths and facts
- 1. If you have had it before, you won't get smallpox again
- 2. Scratching can leave scars
- 3. Chicken pox is not dangerous
- 4. Will not get shingles if you have had chicken pox
- 5. Only adults who are susceptible to shingles
- 6. Every child should have chickenpox
- 7. Use calamine lotion to treat chickenpox itching
Chickenpox is a contagious disease that can affect all age groups. Symptoms that arise include a rash and itching on the skin, low-grade fever, to the appearance of elasticity on the body and face. There are many myths circulating that make people misunderstand about the means. So, what are the myths and facts about chicken pox?
Chicken pox myths and facts
You have heard often that people who have had chickenpox will not catch it a second time. Duh, is that news true? Is there any other myth that you shouldn't believe in?
1. If you have had it before, you won't get smallpox again
This is the most widely held myth. He said, chickenpox is only valid once in a lifetime. In fact, when you or your child get chickenpox, the body will produce immunoglobulins. These antibodies work to fight the chickenpox virus for the rest of your life.
However, not everyone will produce the same antibodies, so they may work differently and be effective. Reporting from healthline.com You may experience smallpox for the second time in the following conditions:
- Chickenpox that you first experienced at the age of less than 6 months
- The first condition of the chicken pox was very mild
- You have a low immune system
Therefore, it is advisable to do blood tests to find out if you are at risk of getting this disease again.
2. Scratching can leave scars
One of the most disturbing symptoms of chickenpox is itchy skin. However, you may endure the itching feeling, believing that scratching the elastic will only leave a scar that won't go away.
In fact, this only applies to people who scratch the same area over and over again. When that happens, it is possible that the smallpox boil is infected with bacteria. This is what if not treated will cause scars.
Therefore, actually scratching resiliently when smallpox is fine, as long as it is not too frequent. Now to fix this, you can do the following ways:
- Bathe with an oatmeal mixture and use a mild soap, such as baby soap.
- Compress the itchy area with a cloth soaked in cold water.
- Apply a lotion recommended by a doctor.
3. Chicken pox is not dangerous
In fact, many still believe in the myth that chicken pox is not a dangerous disease. In fact, 1 in 20 children are prone to ear infections due to this disease. In addition, there are other complications that you should watch out for when you or your child has chickenpox.
- Pneumonia and other respiratory disorders.
- Loss of muscle coordination
- Thrombocytopenia
- Shingles symptoms develop
- Myocarditis
Of course, the myths and facts of chickenpox are the opposite, so you still have to be aware of this condition.
4. Will not get shingles if you have had chicken pox
Shingles is caused by a virus that can also make you catch chickenpox. After that, the virus will remain in your body even though it doesn't have any effect on your health.
However, if your immune system is down, the virus can reactivate and cause you to get shingles. About 1 in 5 people who have had chickenpox also have shingles later.
5. Only adults who are susceptible to shingles
Wait a minute, this myth is not entirely true. Everyone of all ages has the opportunity to get this disease. In fact, children under 12 months of age are also at risk of contracting shingles. However, it is true that shingles or shingles usually affects people over 50 years of age.
6. Every child should have chickenpox
It has been explained above that chicken pox is a dangerous contagious disease because it can cause complications. So, if every child has to get chickenpox, you don't know if their immune system is strong or not? This applies to babies under one month of age, children with autoimmune diseases, such as HIV, or those who are undergoing chemotherapy.
Therefore, everything really depends on the immune system of each individual. If weakened, chickenpox will actually be more dangerous to their health.
7. Use calamine lotion to treat chickenpox itching
In fact, calamine lotion is no longer recommended by doctors because it can make the skin drier. Creams or gels that contain anti-histamines can actually help relieve these symptoms. However, don't forget to ask your doctor first whether you can use it or not.
Now, after you know the myths and facts about chicken pox, now there is no reason not to be fooled by news that is not necessarily true? If you hear things that are not clear about this disease, ask your doctor to find out the truth.