Varicella: Difference between revisions
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==Background== | ==Background== | ||
*Caused by [[varicella zoster virus]] causing varicella (chicken pox) and later zoster ( | *Caused by [[varicella zoster virus]] causing varicella (chicken pox) and later zoster ([[Shingles]]) | ||
*Contagious until last lesion crusts over | *Contagious until last lesion crusts over | ||
Revision as of 04:54, 4 January 2015
Background
- Caused by varicella zoster virus causing varicella (chicken pox) and later zoster (Shingles)
- Contagious until last lesion crusts over
Diagnosis
- Pruritic generalized vesicular exanthem w/ mild systemic manifestations
- Usually affects children <10y
- Rash
- Starts on trunk or scalp as pruritic, red macules, spreads to extremities
- W/in 24hr rash becomes vesicular (on erythematous base)
- Palms/soles spared
- Lesions in various stages of development
Differential Diagnosis
Pediatric
Pediatric Rash
- Atopic dermatitis
- Bed bugs
- Contact dermatitis
- Drug rash
- Erythema infectiosum (Fifth disease)
- Hand-foot-and-mouth disease
- Henoch-schonlein purpura (HSP)
- Herpangina
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
- Infectious mononucleosis
- Meningitis
- Measles
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Roseola infantum
- Rubella (German measles)
- Scabies
- Scarlet fever
- Smallpox
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
Treatment
- Tylenol, antihistamine, oatmeal baths
- No Aspirin (may predispose to Reye syndrome)
- Routine use of antiretrovirals for uncomplicated cases in immunocompetent children is not recommended (Tintinallli 7th ed)
- Immunocompromised: IV acyclovir or high-dose PO tx (600mg/m2/day)
Complications
- Can include encephalitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, strep/staph superinfection of ruptured vesicles
- Perinatal infection in neonates may develop serious illness