Chickenpox is a self-limited illness that does not require treatment.
a) True _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Wrong answer ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ b) False _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Correct ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ Answer and Commentary _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Adults should be treated at first sign of rash of chickenpox, preferable within 24 hours. The treatment is acyclovir 800 mg po 5 times per day for 7 to 10 days. If definite exposure to household contacts in a patient with no history of chicken pox, varicella immune globulin (VZIG) prophylaxis should be considered. If possible, antibody testing is suggested as history is not always reliable. The problem is that results are often not available fast enough as VZIG must be administered within 96 hours of contact to be effective. Any physician caring for pregnant women must inquire about chickenpox exposure in the past at first prenatal visit. If uncertain, then an antibody titre should be obtained (similar to rubella), and the patient educated that should they be in direct contact with a case of chickenpox, they must notify a physician within 96 hours to receive VZIG. If any evidence of rash develops in a pregnant woman they should be admitted to hospital for iv acyclovir and genetic counseling should be offered. Healthy children who are not immunocompromised are not recommended to receive acyclovir or VZIG. ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯
