Viral Infections

Abstract Viruses can cause disease in the skin or mucosa by direct infection or, via a systemic infection, produce secondary skin abnormalities. The chapter reviews the viruses associated with skin lesions, outlining the pathophysiology, the clinical features, diagnostic methods and the approaches to treatment. Primary skin infection following direct contact occurs with poxviruses, some herpesviruses and papillomaviruses leading to visible features which may be readily diagnostic. Less specific skin changes are seen with systemic infections, when infection is often via mucosae or inoculation, for example with parvovirus, measles or coronavirus and for these infections, diagnosis will usually involve body fluid analysis.