THE DIAGNOSIS OF VISARPA (SPREADING CELLULITIS) Aetiopathogenesis The dosas vitiated due to the constant use of lavana,Amla,Katu and

d Ushna, etc give rise to the seven types of visarpas (Literally means creeping or spreading,` Commonly regarded as erysipelas); they are so called because of their tendency to spread all around. Three visarpas are due to the three dosas individually,one due to the combination of all the three,and three more are due to dual combinations of dosas. Thus (out of the seven varieties) the first four types of visarpas are vataja,pittaja,kaphaja and sannipataja;and out of the three dual combined ones the agneya is due to vata-pitta,granthi due to kapha and vata and the very serious kardamaka type is due to pitta and kapha. Involvement of dosa and dusya Rakta(blood),lasika(lymph), tvak (skin)and mamsa (muscle): these (four)dusyas(susceptible tissues)together with the three dosas are the seven factors which are responsible for the production of (all types of) visarpa. Vataja visarpa(herpetic neuralgia)

In a case of vataja visarpa, the patient has the same type of constitutional features as in vatajaa jwaram, inflammation, twitching, pins and needles, tearing sensation, pain on movement and horripilation.

Pittaja visarpa(acute cellulitis) The pittaja visarpa is rapidly spreading in character ,deep red in colour and the patient present with the constitutional features of pittaja jwaram. Kaphaja visarpa(chronic cellulitis with secondary fungal infection) The kaphaja visarpa is associated with an itching sensation,is smooth and the patient presents with the same constitutional features as in a case of kaphaja jwaram. Sannipataja visarpa In a case of visarpa due to all the three dosas,mixed features of all of them appear. Agneya visarpa(Septicemia ) In agneya visarpa whih is due to (the joint vitiation of)vata and pitta, the patient has fever, vomiting, attacks of swooning ,diarrhea, thirst,

dizziness, splitting pain in the (regional) glands, diminished digestive power, respiratory distress and anorexia. The patient feels as if the whole body is covered with burning charcoal. All those very sites where the visarpa spreads, get quickly studded with blisters as after a thermal burn and appear blackish, bluish or reddish like an extinguished charcoal (Pyaemic abscesses). On account of its fast spreading tendency, it quickly pervades into the vital areas(marmans) as a result of which vata becomes

overwhelmingly powerful and gives rise to pain all over the body, loss of consciousness, sleeplessness, dyspnoea and hiccough. The patient, who has reached this stage, does not find relief by any means. He remains restless and attempts to lie down on the ground or sit or adopt any other posture resulting in extreme agony, mental confusion and bodily inactivity. He(Ultimately) attains(eternal)sleep from which he cannot be roused(Dies). This condition is called agnivisarpa.

Septicemia Septicemia is the invasion of the bloodstream by virulent bacteria that multiply and discharge their toxic products. The disorder, which is serious and sometimes fatal, is commonly known as blood poisoning. The invasive organisms are usually streptococci or staphylococci but may be any type of bacteria. Septicemia occurs most often in older people who have underlying disease that makes them more susceptible to the infection. The primary causes of septicemia are infection within the walls of the blood vessels, rapidly progressing tissue infections

(osteomyelitis, cellulitis), virulent systemic disease (meningitis, typhoid), and local infections (abscess, carbuncle) that the defense mechanisms of the body are unable to contain. The microorganisms usually spread to other organs, such as the lungs, liver, and brain. Symptoms of septicemia are fever (usually quite high), chills, low blood pressure, confusion, and rash; it often results in multiple organ failure if not treated promptly with antibiotics.

 The diagnosis can be confirmed with blood cultures for the organism or with blood tests for antibodies or high levels of white blood cells. Septicemia is the presence of bacteria in the blood (bacteremia) and is often associated with severe infections. Causes Septicemia is a serious, life-threatening infection that gets worse very quickly. It can arise from infections throughout the body, including infections in the lungs, abdomen, and urinary tract. It may come before or at the same time rate. The person looks very ill. The symptoms rapidly progress to shock with fever or decreased body temperature (hypothermia), falling blood pressure, confusion or other changes in mental ood pressure, confusion or other changes in mental status, and blood clotting problems that lead to a specific type of red spots on the skin (petechiae and ecchymosis). There may be decreased or no urine output. Exams and Tests

A physical examination may show:

Low blood pressure Low body temperature or fever Signs of associated disease (such as meningitis, epiglottitis, pneumonia, or cellulitis)

Tests that can confirm infection include:

Blood culture Blood gases CBC Clotting studies PT PTT Fibrinogen levels Culture of any suspect skin lesion Platelet count Urine culture

Outlook (Prognosis) Prognosis depends on the organism involved and how quickly the patient is hospitalized and treatment begins. The death rate is high -more than 50% for some organisms. Possible Complications Septicemia can rapidly lead to adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, and death.

Septicemia associated with meningococci can lead to shock or adrenal collapse (waterhouse- friderichsen syndrome)

Granthi visarpa (Bubonic plague) When vata is obstructed by kapha, it spreads the kapha in many directions,or else in persons with increased rakta(blood). It vitiates the rakta located in the skin, blood vessels, sinews and the muscles thereby producing a chain of big or small, round thick or rough glandular swellings with redness, severe pain and fever. The condition is also associated with dyspnoea, cough, diarrhea, dryness of the mouth ,hiccough, vomiting, dizzinesas, confusion, discolouration of the skin, attacks of swooning, bodyache and diminished digestive fire(power). This condition is granthi visarpa and owes its origin to the vitiation of kapha and vata. Plague Plague is divided into three main types bubonic, septicemic and pneumonic depending on which part of your body is involved. Signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of plague. Bubonic plague Buboes swollen lymph nodes which typically develop within a week after an infected flea bites you. Buboes may be: Bubonic plague is the most common variety of the disease. It's named after the

Located in the groin, armpit or neck

About the size of a chicken egg Tender and warm to the touch

Other signs and symptoms may include:

Sudden onset of fever and chills Headache Fatigue or malaise Muscle aches

Kardama visarpa(Wet gangrene) Fever, stiffness, sleepiness, drowsiness, headache, fatigue or throwing about of the limbs(convulsions),a sensation as if the whole body is covered with an (oily) paste, anorexia, dizziness, attacks of swooining, loss of digestive power, pain in the bones, thirst, dulling of the senses, deposition of ama(Atherosclerosis)and obstruction of the channels(?plaques) are produced due to vitiation of the kapha and pitta. This visarpa usually spreads to the stomach, becomes localized to one part vesicles and is glossy, black, shining like antimony, dirty and oedematous and feels heavy. There is a deep seated suppuration it emits heat, is friable to touch as it is sodden and appears like mud due to the muscles being decayed.

 The ligaments/tendons and the vascular bundles are exposed and there is a cadaveric smell. This condition is called kardama visarpa. Gangrene Gangrene occurs when a body part skin, muscle or even an organ loses its blood supply. The blood that feeds tissues provides oxygen, nutrients to feed cells and immune system components, such as

antibodies, to ward off infections. Without a proper blood supply, cells can't survive. Any process that affects blood flow an injury or an underlying condition, or especially a combination of the two can lead to gangrene. Wet gangrene Gangrene is referred to as "wet" if there's a bacterial infection in the affected tissue. Swelling, blistering and a wet appearance are common features of wet gangrene. It can develop after a severe burn, frostbite or injury. It often occurs in people with diabetes who unknowingly injure a toe or foot. Wet gangrene needs to be treated immediately because it spreads quickly and can be fatal. Ksata(Traumatic)Visarpa When due to some external cause or an injury,the vata becomes irritated, it excites pitta along with rakta and produces a visarpa which is associated with kulattha (Dolichos biflorus Linn)seeds like vesicles ,oedema, fever, pain and burning sensation and is blackish red. Complications

Fever, diarrhea, vomiting, tearing of the skin and the muscles, fatigue, anorexia and indigestion; these are the complications of all types of visarpa. Visarpas due to vata, pitta and kapha(individually) are curable, while those due to a combination of all the dosas and the traumatic ones are incurable. The pittaja visarpa, however, when it has produced an antimonylike discolouration of the body, also becomes incurable. Moreover,all types of visarpa occuring in the vital areas(marmans) are curable with difficult. Cellulitis Cellulitis may be caused by many different bacteria. The most common are those of the Streptococcus species. Streptococci spread rapidly in the skin because they produce enzymes that hinder the ability of the tissue to confine the infection. Staphylococcus bacteria can also cause cellulitis, as can many other bacteria, especially after bites by humans or animals or after injuries in water or dirt. Bacteria usually enter through small breaks in the epidermis that result from scrapes, punctures, burns, and skin disorders. Areas of the skin that become swollen with fluid (edema) are especially vulnerable. Cellulitis is more common in people with poor blood circulation (chronic venous insufficiency). However, cellulitis can also occur in skin that is not obviously injured. Symptoms Cellulitis most commonly develops on the legs but may occur anywhere. The first symptoms are redness, pain, and tenderness over an

area of skin. These symptoms are caused both by the bacteria themselves and by the body's attempts to fight the infection. The infected skin becomes hot and swollen and may look slightly pitted, like an orange peel. Fluid-filled blisters, which may be small (vesicles) or large (bullae), sometimes appear on the infected skin. The borders of the affected area are not distinct, except in a form of cellulitis called erysipelas. Most people with cellulitis feel only mildly ill, but some may have a fever, chills, rapid heart rate, headache, low blood pressure, and confusion. As the infection spreads, nearby lymph nodes may become enlarged and tender (lymphadenitis), and the lymphatic vessels may become inflamed (lymphangitissee Bacterial Skin Infections: Lymphangitis). Sometimes, bacteria spread through the blood (bacteremiasee

Bacteremia, Sepsis, and Septic Shock: Bacteremia), which can cause more serious illness. When cellulitis affects the same site repeatedly, especially the leg, lymphatic vessels may be damaged, causing permanent swelling of the affected tissue. Diagnosis and Treatment A doctor usually diagnoses cellulitis based on its appearance and symptoms. Laboratory identification of the bacteria from blood, pus, or tissue specimens usually is not necessary unless a person is seriously ill or the infection is not responding to drug therapy. Sometimes, doctors need to perform tests to differentiate cellulitis from a blood clot in the deep veins of

the leg (deep vein thrombosissee Venous Disorders: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)), because the symptoms of these disorders are similar THE DIAGNOSIS OF VISPHOT A (PUSTULAR ERUPTIONS) Aetiopathogenesis Excessive use of katu, amla, teekshna, usna, heart burn producing, ruksha(non-fatty) and alkaline substances, indigestion, eating before the previous meal has been digested(Frequent eating),over-exposure to the sun and abnormal seasonal variations aggravate vata and other dosas;these ,getting located in the skin vitiate rakta, mamsa and asthi and produce severe visphotas all of which are preceded by fever. Definition: The blisters with fever,as a result of vitiated rakta and pitta(Rakta and pitta are vitiated in all types of visphotas;these mat be localized or generalized throughout the body. Vataja viaphota Features of the vataja visphota are headache,severe

pain,fever,thirst,pain in the joints and blackish discolouration. Pittaja visphota Features of the pittaja visphota are fever, burning sensation, pain, discharge, suppuration, thirst and yellowish red discolouration. Kaphaja visphota

The kaphaja visphotais characterized by vomiting ,anorexia, stiffness an itching sensation, hardness, whitish discolouration, absence of pain and suppuration after a long time. Sannipataja visphota The visphota due to the combined vitiation of all the three dosas is depressed in the centre and raised at the periphery(umbilication),is hard,has a tendency for mild suppuration and is associated with a burning sensation, redness, thirst, confusion, vomiting, attacks of swooming ,pain, fever, delirium, tremors and drowsiness. This condition is incurable. Raktaja visphota The visphotas due to the vitiation of rakta are red in colour, look like gunja(Abrus precatorius Linn.(fam.Leguminosae);Coll.Ratti. or

vidruma(Coral(Corallium rubrum)Syn, Pravala;Coll,Munga),and owe their origin to the rakta and pitta provoking factors; these cannot be cured even by hundreds of special recipes. Prognosis The visphota due to the vitiation of a single dosa is curable;that due to the joint vitiation of two dosas is curable with difficulty;and the one due to the simulataneous vitiation of all the three dosas is serious,associated with complication and incurable. Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become infected, often with Staphylococcus aureus or other types of bacteria. Certain variations of folliculitis are also known as hot tub folliculitis and barber's itch. Severe infections can cause permanent hair loss and scarring, and even mild folliculitis can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

The infection usually appears as small, white-headed pimples around one or more hair follicles the tiny pockets from which each hair grows. Most cases of folliculitis are superficial, and they may itch, but on occasion they're painful too. Superficial folliculitis often clears by itself in a few days, but deep or recurring folliculitis may need medical treatment. Folliculitis signs and symptoms vary, depending on the type of infection. Superficial folliculitis, which includes types that affect the upper part of the hair follicle, may cause:

Clusters of small red bumps that develop around hair follicles Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over Red and inflamed skin Itchiness or tenderness

Deep folliculitis starts deeper in the skin surrounding the hair follicle and affects the entire hair follicle. Signs and symptoms include:

A large swollen bump or mass Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over Pain Possible scars once the infection clears

Superficial folliculitis Superficial forms of folliculitis include:

Staphylococcal folliculitis. This common type is marked by itchy, white, pus-filled bumps that can occur anywhere on your body where hair follicles are present. When it affects a man's beard area, it's called barber's itch. It occurs when hair follicles become infected with Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria. Although staph bacteria live on your skin all the time, they generally cause problems only when they enter your body through a cut or other wound. This can occur through shaving, scratching or with an injury to the skin. Pseudomonas folliculitis (hot tub folliculitis). The pseudomonas bacteria that cause this form of folliculitis thrive in a wide range of environments, including hot tubs whose chlorine and pH levels aren't well regulated. Within eight hours to five days of exposure to the bacteria, a rash of red, round, itchy bumps will appear that later may develop into small pus-filled blisters (pustules). The rash is likely to

be worse in areas where your swimsuit holds contaminated water against your skin. Tinea barbae. Caused by a fungus rather than a bacterium, this type of folliculitis develops in the beard area in men, causing itchy, white bumps. The surrounding skin also may become reddened. A more serious, inflammatory form of the infection appears as pus-filled nodules that eventually form a crust and that may occur along with swollen lymph nodes and fever. Pseudofolliculitis barbae. An inflammation of the hair follicles in the beard area, pseudofolliculitis barbae affects men when shaved hairs curve back into the skin. This leads to inflammation and, sometimes, to dark raised scars (keloid scars) on the face and neck. Pityrosporum folliculitis. Especially common in teens and adult men, pityrosporum folliculitis produces chronic, red, itchy pustules on the back and chest and sometimes on the neck, shoulders, upper arms and face. It's caused by the yeast-like fungus. Herpetic folliculitis. Shaving through a cold sore a small, fluidfilled blister caused by the herpes simplex virus can sometimes spread the herpes infection to neighboring hair follicles.

Deep folliculitis Types of deep folliculitis include:

Gram-negative folliculitis. This sometimes develops if you're receiving long-term antibiotic treatment for acne. Antibiotics alter the normal balance of bacteria in the nose, leading to an overgrowth of harmful organisms (gram-negative bacteria). In most people, this doesn't cause problems, and the flora in the nose returns to normal once antibiotics are stopped. In a few people, however, gramnegative bacteria spread and cause new, sometimes-severe acne lesions. Boils and carbuncles. These occur when hair follicles become deeply infected with staph bacteria. A boil usually appears suddenly as a painful pink or red bump. The surrounding skin also may be red and swollen. The bump then fills with pus and grows larger and more painful before it finally ruptures and drains. Small boils usually heal without scarring, but a large boil may leave a scar. A carbuncle is a cluster of boils that often occurs on the back of the neck, shoulders, back or thighs. Carbuncles cause a deeper and more severe infection

than does a single boil. As a result, they develop and heal more slowly and are likely to leave scars. Eosinophilic folliculitis. Seen primarily in those with HIV, this type of folliculitis is characterized by recurring patches of inflamed, pus-filled sores, primarily on the face and sometimes on the back or upper arms. The sores usually spread, may itch intensely and often leave areas of darker than normal skin (hyperpigmentation) when they heal. The exact cause of eosinophilic folliculitis isn't known, although it may involve the same yeastlike fungus responsible for pityrosporum folliculitis.

Carbuncle A carbuncle is a group of boils (infections associated with hair follicles) on the skin. A carbuncle forms when a number of boils group together to form one lump, or when multiple hair follicles become infected at once. When multiple carbuncles form, the condition is known as carbunculosis. Carbuncles are typically triggered by bacterial infection of the hair follicles, usually by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, but other bacteria and fungi present on the skin surface may also cause the infection. If the infection is not resolved quickly, pockets of bacteria, cells, dead tissue, fluid, and pus form. The infections that trigger carbuncles are contagious and may spread. Although carbuncles typically develop on the neck, they may form anywhere on the body. The exact reason why these infections develop is not known, but people with conditions that compromise the immune system are more susceptible to the development of boils and carbuncles. Carbuncles are more common in males than in females.

Common symptoms of carbuncles

Bulging or lump on the skin up to several centimeters in diameter Fatigue Fever not associated with flu symptoms Fluid leakage from the carbuncle, which may crust over

Itching feeling Severe discomfort or pain Spread of infection

Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition In some cases, carbuncles can be a serious condition that should be evaluated by a health care professional;

Carbuncles located in the middle of the face or on the spine Carbuncles that last longer than two weeks Fever not associated with flu symptoms Large, deep or extremely painful lump or collection of boils on the skin Recurrent carbuncles

THE DIAGNOSIS OF MASURIKA(POX) Intake of katu, amla, lavana, kshara and incomepatible food(in excess),eating before the previous meal has been digested(frequent eating),consumption of decaying cereals and vegetables,etc,air and water pollution,and also the influence of the wicked planets aggravate the dosas(of the people) in the locality(Epidemic);these,in association with the vitiated rakta in the patients body, produce eruptions resembling the seeds of masurika. Prodromal features Fever, itching sensation, bodyache, uneasiness ,dizziness, skin inflammation and discolouration and redness of the eyes are seen as the prodromal features (of masurika). Kaphaja Masurika The kaphaja masurika is associated with (excessive)salivation,a sensation of being covered with wet clothes,headache,a feeling of heaviness of the limbs,nausea,anorexia,sleepiness,drowsiness and

languor;the eruptions are white,smooth and very big;associated with an itching sensation and mild pain and have a tendency to suppurate after a long time. Sannipataja masurika

The eruptions due to a combination of all the (three) dosas are blue,flat,broad,depressed in the centre(Umbilication) and excessively painful,suppurate after a long time with putrifying discharge and are numerous.The patient has a choking sensation in the

throat,anorexia,stiffness,delirium,and restlessness.The pimples are also known as carmadala and are difficult to treat. Romantika(Measles) The eruption of romantika are red and appear like elevated hair pits;they are due to vitiated kapha and pitta,are associated with cough and anorexia and are preceded by fever. Involvement of the seven dhatus Masurika located in tvak(the rasa dhatu) In a case of masurika located in the skin only,the vesicles appear like bubbles in water and produce a watery discharge on rupture;they have only a mild vitiation of humours. Masurika located in the rakta dhatu If the disease is located in the rakta dhatu the eruptions appear red,suppurate quickly,are thin walled,curable and not excessively vitiated and discharge blood on rupture. Masurika located in the mamsa dhatu When the site of lesion is the mamsa dhatu the eruptions are hard,smooth and thick walled,and suppurate after a long time;these are associated with bodyache,thirst ,itching,fever and restlessness.

Masurika located in the medho dhatu When the disease arises due to vitiation of the meda dhatu,the vesicles are circular,soft,slightly elevated,thick,glossy and painful;these are accompanied with high fever,marked confusion,restlessness and

agony.Only a few patients recover from this condition. Masurika located in the asthi and majja dhatus When the disease arises due to the vitiated asthi and majja dhatus,the rashes are small,of the same colour as the skin,dry,flattened and slightly elevated;there is also marked confusion ,pain and severe restlessness.The lesions penetrate into the vulnerable areas and soon take away the patients life.The bones allover are riddled with holes as if made by large black bees. Masurika located in the rakta dhatu If the disease is located in the rakta dhtau the eruptions appear red,suppurate quickly are thin,walled,curable and not excessively

vitiated,and discharge blood on rupture. Masurika located in the mamsa dhatu Whe the site of lesion is the mamsa dhtau the eruptions are hard,smooth and thick walled and suppurate after long time;these are associated with bodyache,thirst,itching,fever and restlessness. Masurika located in the medho dhatu When the disease arises due to vitiation of the meda dhtau the

vesicles are circular ,soft,slightly elevated,thick,glossy and painful;thses are

accompanied

with

high

fever,marked

confusion,restlessness

and

agony.Only a few patients recover from this condition. Masurika located in the asthi and majja dhatus When the disease arises due to the vitiated asthi and majja dhatus the rashes are small, of the same colour as the skin, dry, flattened and slightly elevated; there is also marked confusion, pain and severe restlessness. The lesions penetrate into the vulnerable areas and soon take away the patients life.The bones all over are riddled with holes as if made by large black bees. Masurika located in the sukra dhatu The pustules appear ripe and are glossy, small and extremely painful. The patient feels as if covered with wet clothes, is restless and markedly confused, has a burning sensation and appears mad. These are the clinical features of masurika arising due to the vitiation of the sukra dhatu. Although the features have thus been described, they may not all be seen as the patient does not survive. Association of dosas in masurika located in the dhatus These seven(types of masutika located in the different dhatus) are also associated with the features of various vitiated humours which should be accordingly recognised. Sukha sadhya masurika The masurika is easily curable when it is located in the skin (tvak dhatu) and is due to rakta,pitta,kapha or kapha-pitta.

Krchra sadhya Masurika The masurikas due to vata,vata-pitta or kapha vata are curable with freat difficulty;hence,they should be treated with care. Asadhya masurika The masurikas due to the combined vitiation of all the dosas are incurable.Some of them are like pravala(Corrallium rubrum Coral),some are similar to jambu fruits(Syzygium cumini(Linn) Skeels;(Fam,

Myrtacea),whereas some resemble an iron mesh(Steel grey)and some the fruits of atasi(Linum usitatissimum Linn(Fam, Linaceae):Eng.

Linseed).These develop colours of various types according to the predominance of doshas. Pravala is red;jambu is purple;iron is steel grey;and atast is catechu coloured.All these are thus red or of a variant shade,probably indicating the lesion to have a haemorrhagic tendency . Sadhyaasadhyatha An experienced physician should not give treatment by medicines if a patient suffering from masurika exhibits the following signs and symptoms (complications): Cogh, hiccough, urinary disorders, acute hyperpyrexia , delirium, restlessness, fainting, thirst, burning sensation, excessive yawning, blood discharge from the mouth, the nose and the eyes, and extremely painful breathing with rumbling noise in the throat . Fatal (arista lakshanam)masurika

A patient of masurika who breathes with rapid movements of the external nares, is suffering from thirst and whose vayu has become vitiated, will quickly lose his life.

Masurika is compared with small pox,as small pox has been eradicated we compare it with chicken pox.Romanthika is compared with measles.

Small pox Smallpox is a disease caused by the Variola major virus. Some experts say that over the centuries it has killed more people than all other infectious diseases combined. Worldwide immunization stopped the spread of smallpox three decades ago. The last case was reported in 1977. Two research labs still house small amounts of the virus. Experts fear bioterrorists could use the virus to spread disease. Smallpox spreads very easily from person to person. Symptoms are flu-like and include high fever, fatigue and headache and backache, followed by a rash with flat red sores. Chicken pox

Chickenpox is one of the classic childhood diseases. A child or adult with chickenpox may develop hundreds of itchy, fluid-filled blisters that burst and form crusts. Chickenpox is caused by a virus. The virus that causes chickenpox is varicella-zoster, a member of the herpesvirus family. The same virus also causes herpes zoster (shingles) in adults. Causes In a typical scenario, a young child is covered in pox and out of school for a week. The first half of the week the child feels miserable from intense itching; the second half from boredom. Since the introduction of the chickenpox vaccine, classic chickenpox is much less common. Chickenpox can be spread very easily to others. You may get chickenpox from touching the fluids from a checkenpox blister, or if someone with chickenpox coughs or sneezes near you. The vaccine usually prevents the chickenpox disease completely or makes the illness very mild. Even those with mild illness may be contagious. When someone becomes infected, the pox usually appear 10 to 21 days later. People become contagious 1 to 2 days before breaking out with pox. They remain contagious while uncrusted blisters are present. Most cases of chickenpox occur in children younger than 10. The disease is usually mild, although serious complications sometimes occur. Adults and older children usually get sicker than younger children do.

Children whose mothers have had chickenpox or have received the chickenpox vaccine are not very likely to catch it before they are 1 year old. If they do catch chickenpox, they often have mild cases. This is because antibodies from their mothers' blood help protect them. Children under 1 year old whose mothers have not had chickenpox or the vaccine can get severe chickenpox. Severe chickenpox symptoms are more common in children whose immune system does not work well. This may be caused by an illness or medicines such as chemotherapy and steroids. Symptoms Most children with chickenpox act sick, with symptoms such as a fever, headache, tummy ache, or loss of appetite for a day or two before breaking out in the classic pox rash. These symptoms last 2 to 4 days after breaking out. The average child develops 250 to 500 small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters over red spots on the skin.

The blisters often appear first on the face, trunk, or scalp and spread from there. Appearance of the small blisters on the scalp usually confirms the diagnosis.

After a day or two, the blisters become cloudy and then scab. Meanwhile, new crops of blisters spring up in groups. The pox often appear in the mouth, in the vagina, and on the eyelids.

Children with skin problems such as eczema may get more than 1,500 pox.

Most pox will not leave scars unless they become infected with bacteria from scratching. Some children who have had the vaccine will still develop a mild case of chickenpox. They usually recover much more quickly and have only a few pox (less than 30).These cases are often harder to diagnose. However, these children can still spread chieckenpox to others. Exams and Tests Chickenpox is usually diagnosed from the classic rash and the child's medical history. Blood tests, and tests of the pox blisters themselves, can confirm the diagnosis if there is any question Romanthika(Measles) Measles is a very contagious (easily spread) illness caused by a virus. Causes The infection is spread by contact with droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person. Sneezing and coughing can put contaminated droplets into the air. Those who have had an active measles infection or who have been vaccinated against the measles have immunity to the disease. Before

widespread vaccination, measles was so common during childhood that most people became sick with the disease by age 20. Some parents do not let their children get vaccinated because of unfounded fears that the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, can cause autism. Large studies of thousands of children have found no connection between this vaccine and autism. Not vaccinating children can lead to outbreaks of a measles, mumps, and rubella -- all of which are potentially serious diseases of childhood. Symptoms Symptoms usually begin 8 - 12 days after you are exposed to the virus. This is called the incubation period. Symptoms may include: Bloodshot eyes Cough Fever Light sensitivity (photophobia) Muscle pain Rash Usually appears 3 - 5 days after the first signs of being sick May last 4 - 7 days Usually starts on the head and spreads to other areas, moving down the body

 Rash may appear as flat, discolored areas (macules) and solid, red, raised areas (papules) that later join together Itchy Redness and irritation of the eyes (conjunctivitis) Runny nose Sore throat Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik's spots) .

*******************************************************