Viral Infections of the Skin Flashcards
Where do viral skin infections come from?
Both inside and outside of the body
Sources of exogenous infections? Site?
Breaks in in skin, cuts, insect bites, pimples; Infection occurs at site of lesion
Source of endogenous infections?
Viremia due to viral spread thru lymph, blood, Reactivation from latency
Definition Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin, non-infectious
Definition Exanthem
An eruptive disease, infectious rash
Definition Macular/Macule
Flat, discolored patch
Definition Papular/Papule
Raised, discolored patch
Definition Vesicular, vesicle
Raised, fluid-filled blister
Definition Erythema,erythematous
Redness
Definition Petechial, petechiae
Tiny, dark spots due to localized hemorrhage
Definition Pruritic, pruritis
Itchy
Definition Pustular, pustule
Vesicle filled with pus
Definition Umbilicated
Pustule with dimple (umbilicus) in center
How are herpesvirus shed from the body?
In secretions (breastmilk, saliva) and from mucous membranes (oral, genital)
When do most people acquire primary herpesvirus infection?
Childhood, but naive adults can be susceptible
Where does herpesvirus establish latency?
In neurons or lymphocytes
When does asymptomatic shedding of herpesvirus occur?
Whenever-the-fuck it wants to
When does Primary Herpes Simplex Virus infection occur? How is it spread? Where are common lesions? Where is it latent? Tx? Approximate US population seropositive?
Childhood; Spread by close contact with active lesions or asymptomatic shedding; Mouth, face, nose, eyes; Dorsal root ganglia; Acyclovir; 50-80%
How is recurrent HSV-1 expressed? What causes recurrence? What is important about expressed lesions? Tx?
Recurrent lesions (cold sores) on lips, eyes, or inside mouth; Fever, UV, Hormones, Stress; Lesions are contagious; Acyclovir for active sore or prophylaxis
What causes HSV keratitis? What can chronic HSV keratitis cause? What is the mechanism? Tx?
Primary infection in the eye at birth; Recurrence of HSV1 and 2 can occur; Corneal scarring; T cells destroy cornea; Antivirals to prevent corneal damage, corneal transplant may be necessary
What is Herpetic Whitlow and how is it acquired? Population at risk?
Primary HSV1 or 2 infection of non-mucosal site acquired by direct contact, can recur on hands, legs, back; Dentists, hospital workers, wrestlers
Describe HSV2 primary infection. Tx? Why is Tx important? Who is at the highest risk for infection?
Extensive vesicular, pustular, or erythematous lesions on penis, labia, anus, generally below waist. Antivirals to shorten acute infection and prevent spread to brain; Congenital infections
Describe HSV2 prodrome. How is HSV2 spread? How can you prevent HSV2 recurrence?
Pruritus, tingling at lesion site days before outbreak; Lesions contagious but asymptomatic spread is present as well; antiviral prophylaxis
How is primary Varicella Zoster Virus transmitted? How long is incubation period? Symptoms, Tx and prevention? Complications? Relationship to age?
Highly contagious aerosol; 1-2 weeks; Distinctive “dew drops on rose petals” rash on face and trunk, lesions are pruritic, vesicular, scab and may scar; Acyclovir, Varivax vaccine; Visceral infection, dissemination to brain, pneumonitis, bacterial infection of lesions; Increased severity with age
