Part 2: Viral Infections (Chickenpox, Shingles, HPV/Warts), Fungal Infections (Tinea, Candidiasis), Parasitic Infections (Lice, Scabies), and Lyme Disease

What virus causes both chickenpox and shingles?

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

What is chickenpox?

A highly contagious viral infection caused by varicella-zoster virus characterized by vesicular skin lesions.

What type of lesions are seen in chickenpox?

Fluid-filled vesicles that appear in crops and progress through various stages of healing.

How is chickenpox transmitted?

Through contact transmission and airborne transmission.

Why is chickenpox considered highly contagious?

The virus spreads easily through respiratory droplets and direct contact with lesions.

What happens to the varicella-zoster virus after chickenpox resolves?

The virus remains dormant in sensory nerve ganglia.

What is shingles?

A reactivation of dormant varicella-zoster virus later in life.

What is another name for shingles?

Herpes zoster.

What causes shingles to occur?

Reactivation of dormant varicella-zoster virus, often associated with aging, stress, illness, or immunosuppression.

What is the hallmark distribution pattern of shingles?

A dermatomal distribution following the path of a sensory nerve.

What is a dermatome?

An area of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve.

What skin lesions are seen in shingles?

An erythematous maculopapular rash that progresses to vesicles.

What symptoms accompany shingles?

Pain, burning, tingling, itching (pruritus), and rash.

Why is shingles often painful?

The virus affects sensory nerves, causing inflammation and nerve irritation.

What is postherpetic neuralgia?

Persistent nerve pain that remains after shingles lesions have healed.

Who is at increased risk for shingles?

Older adults and immunocompromised individuals.

What vaccine helps prevent shingles?

Shingrix®.

What is Shingrix?

A vaccine that significantly reduces the risk of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia.

What prophylactic treatment may be given after exposure to varicella-zoster virus?

Varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG).

What is VZIG?

Immune globulin containing antibodies against varicella-zoster virus used for post-exposure prophylaxis.

What antiviral medication is commonly used to treat shingles?

Acyclovir.

How does acyclovir work?

It inhibits viral replication and reduces the severity and duration of infection.

Why should shingles be treated early?

Early antiviral therapy decreases symptom severity and complications.

What nursing teaching should be provided to a patient with shingles?

Keep lesions covered, avoid contact with susceptible individuals, practice hand hygiene, and take antivirals as prescribed.

What groups should avoid exposure to active shingles lesions?

Pregnant individuals, newborns, immunocompromised persons, and people without immunity to varicella.

What are viral skin infections?

Skin disorders caused by viral pathogens that affect the epidermis and surrounding tissues.

What are common viral skin infections discussed in this lecture?

Chickenpox, shingles, and warts caused by HPV.

What causes warts?

Human papillomavirus (HPV).

What is HPV?

A group of viruses capable of causing benign and malignant lesions.

What are verrucae?

Warts caused by HPV infection.

What are skin warts?

Benign HPV-induced growths occurring on various skin surfaces.

What are plantar warts?

Warts occurring on the soles of the feet that grow inward due to pressure.

Why do plantar warts often cause pain?

Body weight forces them inward, increasing pressure on surrounding tissues.

What are venereal warts?

Genital warts caused by certain strains of HPV.

What are laryngeal warts?

HPV-related wart growths occurring in the larynx.

Are warts contagious?

Yes, HPV can spread through direct contact.

How are warts transmitted?

Direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.

What symptoms may accompany warts?

Pain, discomfort, irritation, and cosmetic concerns.

How are warts treated with cryotherapy?

Liquid nitrogen freezes and destroys infected tissue.

What is cryotherapy?

A treatment using extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue.

How does electrocautery treat warts?

Heat generated by electrical current burns and removes lesions.

When is surgery used for wart treatment?

For persistent, extensive, or treatment-resistant lesions.

What topical medication may be used to treat warts?

Salicylic acid.

How does salicylic acid work on warts?

It gradually removes layers of infected skin.

What is imiquimod (Aldara)?

A topical immunotherapy medication used to stimulate local immune responses against HPV.

What is the difference between benign and neoplastic HPV lesions?

Benign lesions include warts, while neoplastic lesions may progress to cancer.

What is a fungal skin infection?

An infection caused by fungi affecting skin, hair, nails, or mucous membranes.

What is tinea?

A superficial fungal infection commonly known as ringworm.

Why is the term ringworm misleading?

The infection is caused by fungi, not worms.

What are common manifestations of tinea infections?

Pink or red scaly patches, blisters, pustules, fissures, and itching.