Zoster

B02

• Description
• Diagnostic criteria
• General and supportive measures
• Medicine treatment
• Referral

DESCRIPTION

A vesicular eruption in a dermatomal pattern, due to reactivation of varicella-zoster virus.
Occurs commonly in immunocompromised children and occasionally in immunocompetent children.

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA

Usually made on clinical grounds.

Investigations

• Confirm diagnosis by HSV viral culture or PCR.

GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES

• Isolate patient.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

Within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash for less severe cases:

• Aciclovir, oral, 20 mg/kg/dose 6 hourly for 7 days.
  • Maximum dose: 800 mg/dose.

If oral treatment cannot be taken and for severe cases:

• Aciclovir, IV, 8 hourly administered over 1 hour for 7days.
  • 0–12 years 20 mg/kg/dose.
  • older than 12 years: 10 mg/kg/dose.

For post-herpetic neuralgia: see Pain Control .

REFERRAL

• Disseminated zoster.