Most common extra skin manifestation of varicella is involvement of –
**Core Concept**
Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Extra skin manifestations refer to complications or associated skin conditions that occur secondary to the primary infection.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The most common extra skin manifestation of varicella is herpes zoster, also known as shingles. This occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates from its latent state in the dorsal root ganglia, leading to a localized vesicular rash that typically affects one side of the body. This phenomenon is attributed to the reactivation of the virus in the nerve cells, resulting in a dermatomal distribution of the rash.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Eczema herpeticum is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of varicella, characterized by widespread vesicular lesions and a high risk of bacterial superinfection. However, it is not the most common extra skin manifestation.
**Option B:** Meningoencephalitis is a rare but serious complication of varicella, involving inflammation of the brain and meninges. While it is a significant concern, it is not an extra skin manifestation.
**Option C:** Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe cutaneous adverse reaction that can be triggered by various medications, including anticonvulsants and antibiotics. However, it is not a direct extra skin manifestation of varicella.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Varicella-zoster virus can reactivate years after the initial infection, leading to herpes zoster (shingles) in older adults or immunocompromised individuals. This highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing varicella and reducing the risk of shingles.
**Correct Answer: C. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is not a direct extra skin manifestation of varicella. However, the correct answer was not provided in the options.