Varicella-zoster virus infections: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

Home Varicella-zoster virus infections: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

Varicella-zoster virus infections: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

A 2-year-old male with no previous medical history is brought to the clinic by his father due to an extremely itchy rash x 5 days. The rash started on the trunk and is now on all of the patient’s extremities. He is febrile (T 100.5F). On exam, you notice scattered vesicles (surrounded by an erythematous halo) on the patient’s bilateral upper and lower extremities, as well as his trunk. What is the cause of the most likely diagnosis?

A. Rubella virus
B. Paramyxovirus
C. Varicella zoster
D. Herpes simplex
E. Parvovirus B19

Answer and topic summary

The answer is C. Varicella zoster

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by varicella zoster. Transmission occurs via airborne droplets, transplacental, or direct contact with a vesicle. Clinical features include fever, headache, joint pains, and then pruritic lesions (usually they first appear on the trunk/face; they start as vesicles -> then become crusted and fall off). The diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is supportive (e.g., Tylenol, adequate fluid intake, oatmeal baths, topical calamine lotion, oral antihistamines). Anti-virals are only given to those with severe infections.

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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:

Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Dermatology ⇒ Dermatologic Infectious diseases ⇒ Viral Dermatologic Diseases => Varicella-zoster virus infections

Also covered as part of the Pediatric EOR and Internal Medicine EOR topic lists

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