Derm - Chickenpox Flashcards
What causes chickenpox?
Varicella zoster virus
How is a chickenpox rash described?
Generalised vesicular rash
How does chickenpox spread?
Highly contagious
Spread through direct contact with lesions or through infected droplets from a cough or sneeze
How long does it take patients to become symptomatic in chickenpox?
10 days to 3 weeks post exposure
When do you stop being contagious in chickenpox?
After lesions have crusted over
How does chickenpox present?
Widespread, erythematous, raised, vesicular, blistering lesions
Rash usually starts on trunk or face and spreads over 2-5 days
Fever
Itch
General fatigue and malaise
What are the complications of chickenpox?
Bacterial superinfection
Dehydration
Conjunctival lesions
Pneumonia
Encephalitis
How does varicella zoster go on to cause shingles or Ramsay Hunt?
Virus can lie dormant in sensory dorsal root ganglion cells and cranial nerves then later reactivate
What is done when pregnant women come into contact with chickenpox?
If not immune
Given varicella zoster immunoglobulins
Aciclovir
What can chickenpox in pregnancy before 28 weeks cause?
Congenital varicella syndrome
Developmental problems
How is chickenpox managed?
Usually mild self limiting
Aciclovir can be considered in immunocompromised, and children over 14
Calamine lotion and chlorphenamine
What are some possible complications of chickenpox?
Encephalitis
How long should children be isolated for?
Kept off school, avoid pregnant women and immunocompromised until all lesions crusted over and dry
Typically 5 days after rash appears
