Chickenpox

Organisms Varicella zoster.
Treatment
Children: Refer neonates or immunocompromised children urgently.  Other groups do not usually require treatment with an antiviral agent.  Children should be kept away from school, nursery or childminders for 5 days from the onset of rash, or until lesions have crusted over.
Adult/Adolescents: Aciclovir 800mg five times daily for 7 days should be prescribed to those adults and adolescents (14 years and over) who present within 24 hours of the onset of the chickenpox rash.  Those patients presenting outwith this period should not be commenced on antivirals. If the patient has respiratory symptoms (particularly smokers) they may be referred to infectious diseases for exclusion of pneumonitis. All patients, especially smokers,  should be monitored by their general practitioner to ensure that they do not develop complications. If complications do develop, refer to hospital.
Pregnancy: Seek specialist advice as there is a risk of pneumonitis.
Immunocompromised patients: Referral to hospital as intravenous therapy is appropriate.
Prophylaxis Varicella-zoster immunoglobulin is recommended in some individuals following contact, refer to “Immunisation Against Infectious Disease”.
 

Back to Skin & Soft Tissue/Vascular selection

© 2010 NHS Tayside