Viral Skin Infections

Question 1

Herpes Virus Infections

Answer 1

Skin infections from herpes are most commonly caused by HSV-1 & HSV-2

Other herpes viruses that affect skin:
Varicella zoster virus

Virus is able to remain dormant until reactivated

Question 2

HSV-1

Answer 2

Associated with oral infections (cold sores) & corneal infections

Can cause genital herpes

Transmitted by contact with infected saliva

Primary infection develops & can progress to a secondary infection from a trigger

Symptoms:
Inflamed painful vesicles
Sensitivity, mild burning
Crusting of lesions

Question 3

HSV-2

Answer 3

HSV-2 more commonly causes genital infections

Virus is spread by skin-to-skin mucous membrane contact during viral shedding

Risk of infection is high after sexual contact

Primary infection asymptomatic

Recurrent infection: small vesicles

Question 4

Herpes Varicella Zoster

Answer 4

Varicella & Zoster are caused by the same herpes virus

Varicella is the primary infection (chicken pox)

Zoster is the reactivation of the virus (shingles)

Appears as vesicles that rupture and crust over

Question 5

Varicella

Answer 5

Occurs in early childhood

Highly contagious especially in incubation period up to 5-6 days after the development of the first lesion

Appearance:
Vesicles on truck, scalp, face, extremities
Vesicles will rupture & crust
Vesicles will be in varying stages
fever

Question 6

Shingles

Answer 6

Reactivation of the varicella- zoster virus

Symptoms include:
Pain (can last from weeks to months)
Parasthesias
Vesicular eruptions along face, neck or thoracic lumbar region

Question 7

Warts

Answer 7

Lesions caused by HPV

HPV affects epithelium of skin & mucous membranes

Round lesions with a grey surface

Vary in size, shape & location

Transmitted via touch

Question 8

Bacterial Infection: Cellulitis

Answer 8

Infection of the dermis & SC tissue
Caused by Staph, CA-MRSA, group B strep
Occurs as an extension of an existing wound
Skin appears:
Red
Warm 
Swollen
Painful

Question 9

Fungal Infections: Tinea Infections

Answer 9

Fungal disorders are known as mycoses which are termed tinea

Classified according to their location on the body
Tinea capitas
Tinea corporis
Tiniea cruris
Temea pedis

Also known as ringworm of dermtophytosis

Symptoms present as:
Scaly, pruritic areas
Ring-like borders
Erythema