Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

79
chickenpox
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an immunodeficient person or the pox become
infected with bacteria through scratching.
Treatment, other than the use of calamine lotion or
other topical solutions to diminish itching, is not
normally necessary. However, adults (and some-
times children) can have major problems from
chickenpox, including pneumonia and encephalitis
(inflammation of the brain) that can lead to diffi-
culty with balance and coordination (cerebellar
ataxia). Other serious complications can include
ear infections, damaged nerves (palsies), and
Reye’s syndrome. In such cases, antiviral medica-
tions may be tried. Reinfection with chickenpox can
occur. Reactivation of the chickenpox virus is
responsible for shingles. The current aim in the US
is to achieve universal immunization of children
with the chickenpox vaccine. See also 
chickenpox
immunization; herpes zoster; neuralgia, posther-
petic; shingles.
chickenpox immunization
A vaccination that
prevents chickenpox. If an older person has not had
chickenpox, the shot may be given at any time. All
children, except those with compromised immune
systems or known neurological conditions, are rec-
ommended to have the vaccination. See also 
chick-
enpox.
chilblain
An injury due to cold temperatures that,
although painful, causes little or no permanent
impairment. It appears as red, swollen skin that is
tender and hot to the touch and may itch. This can
worsen to an aching, prickly (“pins and needles”)
sensation, and then numbness. It can develop in only
a few hours in skin exposed to extreme cold. The
treatment for chilblain is to stop exposure to cold,
remove any wet or constrictive clothing, gently wash
and dry the injured area, elevate the injured area,
cover the injured area with layers of loose warm
clothes, and allow the injured area to rewarm.