How does a clinician differentiate between smallpox and chickenpox?
Several diseases and drug reactions can result in the occurrence of rash, fever, and malaise; therefore, a diagnosis of smallpox based solely on clinical manifestations may be difficult. In particular, a differentiation between the signs and symptoms of smallpox and chickenpox may be complicated for many clinicians, especially in adults presenting with an extensive rash. The table below summarizes the major differences between the 2 disease states. As noted in the table, the main clinical differences between smallpox and chickenpox involve the features of the skin lesions and related complications. Smallpox lesions are concentrated more on the face and extremities, have a round shape, and protrude somewhat deep into the skin. In contrast, chickenpox lesions are concentrated on the torso, have an oval shape, and are fairly superficial. Facial scarring is a common occurrence with smallpox infection, in contrast, scarring occurs infrequently with chickenpox. In addition, smallpox has been
Several diseases and drug reactions can result in the occurrence of rash, fever, and malaise; therefore, a diagnosis of smallpox based solely on clinical manifestations may be difficult. In particular, a differentiation between the signs and symptoms of smallpox and chickenpox may be complicated for many clinicians, especially in adults presenting with an extensive rash. The table below summarizes the major differences between the 2 disease states. As noted in the table, the main clinical differences between smallpox and chickenpox involve the features of the skin lesions and related complications. Smallpox lesions are concentrated more on the face and extremities, have a round shape, and protrude somewhat deep into the skin. In contrast, chickenpox lesions are concentrated on the torso, have an oval shape, and are fairly superficial. Facial scarring is a common occurrence with smallpox infection, in contrast, scarring occurs infrequently with chickenpox. In addition, smallpox has been
