Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Description: Rash that starts on head & trunk; continues to spread for 3–5 days; resembles “dew drops on rose pedals”; erythematous macules to papules to vesicles

Etiology: Low fever 1–2 days before rash; infectious 4 days prior to when lesions appear until crusting (~ 5 days later)

Rx: Oral antiviral therapy

Source: From Barankin B & Freiman A (2006).