Question 1

can you get chicken pox if been vacenated already? if so what are signs of chicken pox? how to know it's not just rash? on methotrexate for jra

Accepted Answer

Depends: In the ideal situation, a chicken pox vaccine would fully protect you from chicken pox.  For a vaccine to work, however, a functional immune system is necessary and a patient with jra on mtx may not respond to a vaccine normally.  Probably the more likely explanation, however, is it is something else.  Consider being seen by your md or a dermatologist where they could look and tell you the cause.

Question 2

how is chickenpox transmitted?

Accepted Answer

Droplet/contact: Chickenpox can be spread by airborn droplets inhaled into the lung or contact with contaminated material ( secretions or debris from blisters).

Question 3

where did chickenpox come from?

Accepted Answer

Varicella: Has been around since the 1600s and has mainly been described in children. It is caused by the herpes zoster virus and even the reason for the name is disputed. It occurs in other primates, chimpanzees and gorillas. This is an interesting question and any other input to the answer would be appreciated. Thanks!

Question 4

what are the tests for chickenpox?

Accepted Answer

Physical exam: Chickenpox is diagnosed by physical exam. Due to the widespread use of the varivax vaccine against the illness, it does not occur very commonly these days, saving the lives of about 100 children a year. Your doctor should be able to tell if it is chickenpox by history and exam.

Question 5

what sort of disease is chickenpox?

Accepted Answer

It's a viral illness: It used to be extremely common, but isn't anymore now that we vaccinate against it.  Prior to the vaccine, 100-200 children per year died in the USA as a result of complications of chicken pox.   That number is now much lower.  Once you have chicken pox, you have it forever.  The virus lies dormant near your spinal cord, and sometimes reactivates.  When it reemerges, it's called shingles.

Question 6

what are the symptoms of chickenpox?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of Chickenpox include::   Blister rash, Blistering, Fever.

Question 7

how should i clean chickenpox lesions?

Accepted Answer

Clean water: Clean, boiled if need be, water is sufficient. Preferably using gauze boiled in water to gently wipe the lesions should be fine.

Question 8

is chickenpox still prevalent in the us?

Accepted Answer

Declined but present: The incidance of chickenpox has declined about 85% from introduction in 1995 to 2004. That translates nationwide to a drop from 2 million down to 300, 000.  See aap/redbookvaricella-zoster.

Question 9

is it o.k. to tan while on methotrexate?

Accepted Answer

No: While this is actually unlikely to cause problems, sunburn may be more likely while using methotrexate.  Though it may depend on why and how you're using it.

Question 10

what are the causes of chickenpox anymore?

Accepted Answer

Same as before: The wild varicella virus still causes infections in a variety of locations around the world. Since the disease is contagious for at least a day before a person breaks out, it can be passed by an unsuspecting person on to unvaccinated people easily. Acquisition after brief exposure runs > 90% in susceptible populations.If present anywhere in the world aircraft can bring it to your mall tomorrow.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Methotrexate and chickenpox

A member asked:

Can you get chicken pox if been vacenated already? if so what are signs of chicken pox? how to know it's not just rash? on methotrexate for jra

A member asked:

How is chickenpox transmitted?

A member asked:

Where did chickenpox come from?

A member asked:

What are the tests for chickenpox?

A member asked:

What sort of disease is chickenpox?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

A member asked:

How should i clean chickenpox lesions?

A member asked:

Is chickenpox still prevalent in the us?

A member asked:

Is it o.k. to tan while on methotrexate?

A member asked:

What are the causes of chickenpox anymore?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?