Physical examination for chickenpox

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Physical examination for chickenpox

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Your health professional may examine you or your child to confirm a diagnosis of chickenpox and to look for signs of complications. During a physical examination, the health professional will check:

Skin, for chickenpox rash and also for signs of bruising or skin infection. Both bruising of the skin without a known injury and skin infection are possible signs of complications from chickenpox.
Eyes, for sores. If sores are found on the clear covering of the eye (cornea), you may need treatment with a special eye ointment.
Nervous system, for signs of inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the tissues surrounding it and the spinal cord (meningitis).
Lungs, for signs of pneumonia.
Joints, for signs of arthritis.

If complications are present, you or your child may need closer watching and special treatment. Adults with chickenpox may need to be admitted to a hospital.

Credits

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Author	Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Last Updated	May 21, 2008

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Last updated:	May 21, 2008
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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