Varicella
Background
- Also known as "Chicken Pox"
- 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
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