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Chickenpox (Varicella Zoster)

Daniel R. Matta, DFPHM, FAAFP, MD and Joseph A. Chen, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Highly contagious, generalized exanthem characterized by crops of pruritic vesicles on the skin and mucous membranes following exposure to varicella-zoster virus (VZV)

  • VZV is acquired...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Prodromal symptoms: fever, malaise, anorexia, headache

  • Malaise, muscle aches, arthralgias, and headache are more common in adults

  • Subclinical in ~4% of cases

  • Characteristic rash

PHYSICAL EXAM

TREATMENT

Generally outpatient, except for complicated cases 

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Supportive/symptomatic treatment

  • Oral antihistamines and/or oatmeal baths for itch

  • Calamine lotion for itch

  • Acetaminophen and/...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Not needed in mild cases. Intensive supportive care may be required in the setting of complications.

  • Activity as tolerated. Children may return t...

REFERENCES

1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nationally Notifiable Infectious Diseases and Conditions: United States: Annual Tables. https://wonder.cdc.gov/nndss/nndss_annual_tables_menu.as...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chickenpox (varicella) for healthcare professionals. https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/hcp/index.html. Accessed March 24, 2023...

SEE ALSO

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) 

CODES

ICD10

  • B01.9 Varicella without complication

  • B02.9 Zoster without complications

  • P35.8 Other congenital viral diseases

  • Z20.820 Contact with and (suspected) exposure to varicella

SNOMED

  • 38907003 varicella...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Varicella zoster infection is more likely to produce serious illness in adults than in children.

  • Introduction of the varicella vaccine has significantly reduced morbidity and mortality....

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