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Santa Barbara Skin Care
Santa Barbara Skin Care

Gary S. Novatt, MD | Corey S. Frucht, MD, PhD 
Robert W. Sheffield, MD | Claire Wiswall, PA-C

Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic Dermatology 
in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara: (805) 569-1164Solvang: (805) 688-4236

 

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Chicken Pox (Herpes Varicella Zoster)

Our team of professionals and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well-being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics, which can be found on the side of each page. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you.

As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.

Chicken pox is a common illness, particularly among children. It is characterized by itchy red spots or blisters all over the body. Chicken pox is caused by the Herpes Varicella Zoster virus. It is highly contagious, but most cases are not dangerous.

Chicken pox can be passed on from two to three days before the rash appears until the blisters are crusted over. It spreads from exposure to infected people who cough, sneeze, share food or drinks or by touching the blisters. It is often accompanied by a headache, sore throat and possibly a fever. The incubation period (from exposure to first appearance of symptoms) is 14 to 16 days. When the blisters crust over, they are no longer contagious and the child can return to normal activity. This normally takes about 10 days after the initial appearance of symptoms.

It is important not to scratch the blisters as it can slow down the healing process and result in scarring. Scratching may also lead to another infection. To help relieve the itching, soak in a cool bath. The child should get plenty of bed rest and can take over-the-counter analgesics to reduce any fever. More serious cases are usually seen in people with other long-term health problems.

Although about four million children get chicken pox each year, it may be preventable via a vaccine. Children should receive two doses of the vaccine  the first between 12 and 15 months and the second between ages four and six. Older children who have not been vaccinated can be effectively treated with two catch-up doses. Adults who have never had the illness should also be vaccinated.


Patient Education

Patient Education Menu
  • What is a Dermatologist?
  • Anatomy of the Skin
  • Skin Care Topics
    • Sun Safety
    • Skin Care Basics
    • Tanning Beds/Tanning Booths
    • Tattoos
    • Pregnancy-Related Skin Conditions
    • Diabetes-Related Skin Conditions
    • Skin Cancers
  • Skin Conditions
    • Acne
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    • Eczema (Dermatitis)
    • Lumps, Bumps, and Cysts
    • Psoriasis
    • Blisters
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    • Pruritus
    • Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac
    • Lichen Simplex Chronicus
    • Scleroderma
    • Keratosis Pilaris
    • Hives (Urticaria)
    • Hidradenitis Suppurativa
    • Wrinkles
    • Birthmarks/Pigmented Skin
  • Skin Growths
    • Seborrheic Keratosis
    • Moles (Nevi)
    • Warts
    • Actinic Keratosis
  • Skin Infections
    • Herpes Simplex Virus
    • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
    • Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
    • Impetigo
    • Erysipelas
    • Chicken Pox (Herpes Varicella Zoster)
    • Cellulitis
    • Candidiasis
    • Boils
    • Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
    • Lyme Disease
    • Folliculitis
    • Scabies
    • Intertrigo
    • Granuloma

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Our Location

Santa Barbara, CA Dermatologist
Santa Barbara Skin Care
2320 Bath Street, Suite 205
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 569-1164
Dermatologist in Santa Barbara, CA Call For Pricing Options
 
Solvang, CA Dermatologist
Santa Barbara Skin Care
2028 Village Ln. Suite 201
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-4236
Dermatologist in Solvang, CA Call For Pricing Options
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Office Hours

Santa Barbara
Monday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday:       08:30 AM - 05:00 PM  
Thursday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday: 08:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Solvang
Wednesday:       08:30 AM - 04:30 PM 
   
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