infectious diseases
Chickenpox
Key Points
Chickenpox causes pustular, crusting lesions on the skin (often including scalp) and may cause ulcerated lesions on mucous membranes. Complications include secondary bacterial infection of skin lesions, pneumonia, cerebellar ataxia, and, in adults, encephalitis. Give oralvalacycloviroracyclovirto patients with varicella who are ≥12 years, orfamciclovirto patients with varicella ≥ 18 years, or to those with skin disorders (particularly eczema), chronic lung disease, or on corticosteroid therapy. Give IVacyclovirto patients who are immunocompromised and to other patients at risk of severe disease. Vaccinate all healthy children and susceptible adults. Give postexposure prophylaxis withvaricella-zoster immune globulinto patients who are immunocompromised, susceptible pregnant women, and neonates whose mother developed chickenpox within 5 days before or 2 days after delivery. Give postexposure prophylaxis with varicella vaccine to patients ≥ 1 year who are immunocompetent and are eligible for vaccination. 