dermatology

Question 1

Differences between the presentations of varicella zoster, measles, mumps, rubella and roseola.

Answer 1

Varicella zoster

• Prodrome of raised temperature before rash
• macular and papular lesions, develops into vesicles and crust over

Measles

• caused by measles virus
• prodrome of fever and coryza symptoms
• macular rash start in in face spread to rest of body
• koplik spots on oral mucosa

Mumps

• caused by paramyxovirus
• painful swelling of parotid gland
• no rash
• prodrome of fever, malaise, reduced appetite

Rubella

• pale pink macular rash
• begins on face and spreads
• post auricular and cervical lympadenpathy

Roseola

• caused by herpes virus 6/7
• pale pink macular rash
• begins in trunk and spreads

Question 2

What is the Mx for chicken pox?

Answer 2

Management is supportive

• trim nails
• calamine lotion for itchiness
• Advise that the most infectious period is 1–2 days before the rash appears, but infectivity continues until all the lesions are dry and have crusted over
• Give IV acyclovir for those immunocompromised or newborns with sever chickenpox
• Advise to avoid immunocompromised, new-born or pregnant mothers.

Question 3

What is Kawasaki disease, presentation?

Answer 3

Kawasaki disease is a type of vasculitis which is predominately seen in children.

• maculopapular rash
• strawberry tongue
• bright red, cracked lips
• high0grade fever
• red palms and swelling of hands and feet