Chickenpox Flashcards
What organism causes chicken pox?
Varicella zoster
What is the incubation period for chicken pox?
10-21 days
When is chicken pox infectious?
From 2 days before spots appear until they are crusted over
What are the symptoms of chicken pox?
Itchy spots
Fever
General malaise
What are the stages of the spots?
Red spots
Fill with fluid + blister
Scab over
What advice is given to patients with chicken pox?
Stay at home until crusted over Drink plenty of fluid Keep cool Trim nails - prevent infection Calamine lotion
When is chicken pox a risk in pregnancy?
If mother hasn’t been infected before
When is the risk in pregnancy greatest?
From 7 days before birth to 7 days after
What are the risks to the foetus if mother gets chicken pox?
Skin scarring Eye defects Microcephaly Learning defects Neonatal varicella
What is the management of chicken pox in pregnancy?
No previous exposure to mother - give varicella-zoster immunoglobin ASAP
What is shingles?
Reactivation of varicella zoster in dorsal root ganglion - effects one dermatome
What is the management of shingles?
Supportive
- do not itch
- calamine lotion
What are complications of shingles?
Post-herpetic neuralgia
Ramsey-Hunt syndrome
What is Ramsey-Hunt syndrome?
SHingles affecting the facial nerve
- check the eyes
- check the ears
- check the mouth
What is the prevention of shingles?
Vaccine for those aged 70+
