Viral Skin Infections Flashcards
What virus cause chickenpox and shingles?
Varicella zoster virus
What causes chickenpox?
Varicella-primary infection in childhood, generalised rash and fever, virus establishes latency, sensory nerve roots
What causes shingles?
Zoster/herpes zoster-reactivation (typically old age), dermatomal
What is the progression of chickenpox?
Macules, papules, vesicles, scabs, recovery (centripetal, density varies, inflamed skin)
What symptoms accompany the rash in chickenpox?
Fever, itch
What are some complications of chickenpox?
Secondary bacterial pneumonitis, haemorrhagic, scarring, encephalitis
What are some predictors for the severity of chickenpox?
Extremes of age, depressed cell mediated immunity
What are some features of the chickenpox vaccine?
Live attenuated vaccine, widely used but not routine in UK, used in susceptible health workers
How does Neonatal VZV occur?
Secondary to chickenpox in mother in late pregnancy (higher mortality)
How can Neonatal VZV be prevented?
Prevention with Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin or Aciclovir in women exposed late in pregnancy
How is shingles distributed?
It follows the dermatomes
Who gets shingles?
Elderly, immunocompromised
What is the progression of shingles?
Tingling/pain, erythema, vesicles, crusts
What character does zoster associated pain have?
Neuralgic
What does zoster associated pain become known as if it persists beyond 4 weeks?
Post herpetic neuralgia (in elderly and those with route of trigeminal nerve affected)
Is scarring common in shingles?
No
What vaccine is used to prevent shingles?
Same attenuated VZV used in chickenpox vaccine can be used in high titre preparations in elderly to reduce impact of disease (reduces incidence and post herpetic neuralgia)
How does Ophthalmic Zoster arise?
When shingles affects the trigeminal nerve, can happen in children especially if chickenpox in utero/immunocompromised
What is Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome?
Vesicles and pain in auditory canal and throat, also known as geniculate or otic herpes zoster
What nerves can be affected in Ramsay-Hunt Syndromes?
7th nerve-facial palsy (better prognosis than Bell’s palsy)
8th cranial nerve-irritation causing deafness, vertigo and tinnitus
What is another name for Herpes simplex virus?
Primary gingivostomatitis
What occurs in Herpes simplex infection and who commonly gets it?
Extensive ulceration in and around the mouth which lasts around a week; pre-school children
What does the recurrence of Herpes simplex virus look like?
Blistering rash at vermillion border
Where can Herpes simplex spread to?
The finger or to eczema-causes herpetic whitlow and eczema herpeticum (life threatening)