Varicella with secondary skin bacterial complications: case reports

Abstract

Chickenpox is a very contagious childhood disease with a self-limited course. It is most common in children up to 10 years old, but can infect a person at any age. Varicella presents with itchy pseudo-polymorphic rash (macula, papula, vesicle, crust) and mild intoxication syndrome. The disease is benign and uncomplicated in general, but complications can occur regardless of immune status and concomitant diseases. Neurological and respiratory are among the most common complications. In the patients described in this article, we can observe secondary bacterial superinfection (pyoderma and phlegmon). These are the third most common complications of varicella, and may have serious consequences. These cases are presented to call attention to proper skincare in a patient with chickenpox and to the choice of an appropriate antipyretic to control fever. It is also important to emphasise the importance of vaccination against this disease and to combat the misconceptions of anti-vaxxers.