Viral skin infections Flashcards
Chickenpox and shingles are both caused by which virus?
Varicella zoster
How does chickenpox present?
Typically in childhood the patient will present with a generalised itchy rash and fever
How does shingles present?
Dermosomal reactivation of the virus typically in old age
How does chickenpox become shingles?
The virus becomes latent after an episode of chicken pox and settles in the sensory nerve roots where it can reactivate at any time
What is the progression of the chickenpox rash?
Macules to papules to vesicles to scabs to recovery
How would you describe the chickenpox rash?
Inflamed erythematous polymorphic rash with centripetal distribution of varying density
What are the possible complications of chickenpox?
Secondary bacterial infection, VZ pneumonitis, hemorrhagic chickenpox, scarring, encephalitis
What are some predictors of the severity of chickenpox?
Extremes of age or immunosuppression
Neonatal chickenpox infection can occur when the mother is infected with the virus during pregnancy. T/F
True
How high is the mortality rate for neonatal chickenpox? How can it be prevented?
Very high. Immunoglobulin injections in susceptible woman
Who gets shingles the most?
Elderly and/or immunocompromised patients
What is the progression of the shingles rash?
Tingling/pain > erythema > vesicles > crusts
What type of pain does shingles give its victims?
Neuralgic
After four weeks of shingles related pain what is the pain then called?
Post herpetic neuralgia
How common is scarring of the skin from shingles?
Un
What are the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve called?
Ophthalmic, maxillary & mandibular
What department needs urgent referral if a patient present’s with ophthalmic shingles?
Ophthalmology
What complications can arise from ophthalmic shingles?
Optic scarring, red eyes, facial palsy
In what circumstances would children be more likely to get shingles?
Chickenpox in utero or immunocompromised
What is Ramsay-Hunt syndrome?
Vesicles and pain in the auditory canal and throat along with facial palsy and irritation of the eight cranial nerve causing deafness, vertigo and tinnitus
What is the other names for Ramsay-Hunt syndrome?
Geniculate or otic herpes zoster
What is Bell’s palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles in one side of the face.
What type of vaccine is the chickenpox vaccine?
Live attenuated
What are the indications for chickenpox vaccine in the UK?
At risk health care workers
What are the indications for the shingles vaccine in the UK?
70>
What is the difference between the chickenpox vaccine and the shingles vaccine?
The shingles vaccine is just a higher titre preparation
What are the benefits of giving the shingles vaccine?
Reduces incidence of shingles and incidence of post herpetic neuralgia
How does herpes simplex virus present?
+ primary gingivostomatitis -extensive ulceration in and around mouth
+ recurrence - blistering rash at vermillion border
When does herpes simplex virus typically present and how long does it last?
Pre-school children. Lasts around a week