VIRAL SKIN INFECTIONS Flashcards
What is viral exanthem?
The medical term for a widespread rash caused by a viral infection
May also cause fever, fatigue and body aches
Chicken pox rash looks like…
Fever initially
Itchy rash that starts on head/trunk before spreading.
Macular -> Papular -> Vesicular
How is chickenpox spread?
Respiratory route
From someone with chickenpox or shingles
Infectivity period of chickenpox?
4 days before the rash -> 5 days after the rash first appeared
Measles presents as…
Prodromal phase - irritable, conjunctivitis, fever
Koplik spots
Then a rash that starts behind the ears before spreading to the whole body. Discrete maculopapular rash that becomes blotchy and confluent. Desquamation may occur after a week (spares palms and soles)
Rubella presents as…
Pink maculopapulae rash that starts on the face and then spreads to the whole body. Usually faxed by 3-5 days
Suboccipital and postauricular lymphadenopathy
Erythema infectious presentation?
‘Slapped-cheek’ rash spreading to proximal arms and extensor surfaces - wont involve palms and soles
Lethargy, fever and headache
Child begins to feel better as rash appears.
How does roseola infantum present?
High fever lasting a few days later followed by…
Maculopapulae rash, Nagayama spots
Diarrhoea and cough are also commonly seen
Febrile convulsions common
What causes roseola infantum?
Human herpes virus 6
What causes erythema infectiosum?
Parvovirus B19
What causes rubella?
A viral infection caused by togavirus
What causes measles?
An RNA paramyxovirus
Shingles presentation?
Prodromal period- burning pain over affected dermatome for 2-3 days. Some experience fever, headache and lethargy
Erythematous macular rash over affected dermatome that quickly becomes vesicular
What causes hand, foot and mouth disease?
The intestinal viruses of the picornaviridae family - most commonly coxsackie A19 and enterovirus 71
Clinical features of hand, foot and mouth disease?
Mild systemic upset - sore throat and fever
Oral ulcers
Later on… Vesicles on palms and soles of feet
What causes molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum virus, a member of the poxviridae family
How is molluscum contagiosum spread?
Direct close personal contact or indirectly via fomites e.g. shared towels
How does molluscum contagiosum present?
Pinkish/pearly white papules with a central umbilication
Up to 5mm in diameter
Lesions appear in clusters on areas anywhere on the body expect palms and soles
How is measles transmitted?
Aerosol
One of the most infectious known viruses
How is rubella transmitted?
Aerosol
How is erythema infectiosum spread?
Aerosol
