Findings

Note a clean blister on a red macule of the skin, a lesion called "a dew drop on a rose petal".

Impression

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Pathology Pointer

Chickenpox is caused by infection with Herpes zoster virus (HZV) which homes in on epidermal keratinocytes to produce multiple blisters filled with clear fluid. These blisters have a characteristic "dew drop on a rose petal" appearance.

Preparation

Fresh

View

Clinical photograph

Specimen

Skin

Image Credit

Terence O'Grady, M.D.
Department of Medicine
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego