Zoster
Description Diagnostic criteria General and supportive measures Medicine treatment Referral ICD-10 code: B02 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
Description
Diagnostic criteria
General and supportive measures
Medicine treatment
Referral
ICD-10 code: B02
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 varicella-zoster 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 7 days.
- < 12 years: 20 mg/kg/dose.
- > 12 years: 10 mg/kg/dose.
For post-herpetic neuralgia, see: Pain Control.
REFERRAL
- Disseminated zoster.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa Paediatric Hospital _2023, 5th edition_Updated July 2024
Chapter 8: Infective/Infectious Diseases, 8.26 Zoster