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Shingles (Pediatrics - PEDS)

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Shingles is a painful, blistering skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

After chickenpox has passed, the virus persists inactive in certain nerves of the body and reactivates many years later.

Initially, it manifests with burning or itching of an area of the skin that becomes painful. Subsequently, blisters or vesicles appear, which characteristically follow a linear course.

It is diagnosed by clinical history and complete physical examination.  

There is no specific treatment to cure varicella-zoster virus infection. Treatment is prescribed with an antiviral drug called Acyclovir, which is aimed at relieving pain and reducing the number of days of symptoms. 

Bibliographic references
  1. Mary A Albrecht. Epidemiology and pathogenesis of varicella-zoster virus infection: Herpes zoster. UpToDate. Jul 21, 2016.
  2. Mary A Albrecht. Clinical manifestations of varicella-zoster virus infection: Herpes zoster. UpToDate. Aug 02, 2016.
  3. Mary A Albrecht. Treatment of herpes zoster in the immunocompetent host. UpToDate. Jul 21, 2016.
  4. Li Q, Chen N, Yang J, et al. Antiviral treatment for preventing postherpetic neuralgia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009; :CD006866.
  5. Lopez AS, Burnett-Hartman A, Nambiar R, et al. Transmission of a newly characterized strain of varicella-zoster virus from a patient with herpes zoster in a long-term-care facility, West Virginia, 2004. J Infect Dis 2008; 197:646.
  6. Whitley RJ. Infecciones por el virus de la varicela-zoster. Harrison. Manual de Medicina. 16º edición. 556-562.
Author
Dr. Maria Trabazo
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Vesicles in chest and/or low back regions

    Vesicles are itchy and/or burn

    Skin blisters which produce yellowish scabs

    Reddened skin region with vesicles, blisters and/or small red spots

    Rash made up of painful blisters

Symptoms to watch out for

Pain or rash near the eyes
Generalized, painful rash
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, Diabetes Mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).
Loss of vision

Self-care

Use over-the-counter analgesics and antipyretics for muscle pain or fever (temperature > 100.4 F).
Take antihistamines for itching.
Apply cold compresses 3 times a day for 20 minutes to reduce the symptoms.
Reduce situations that cause psychological stress
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