What is shingles?
Shingles is a disease caused by the chickenpox virus. Your
child can only get shingles if he or she has already had chickenpox. With
shingles, your child will have a rash.
The rash:
- is in a line and follows the path of a nerve
- occurs on only one side of the body
- starts with clusters of red bumps, changes to water
blisters, and finally becomes dry crusts (looks like small groups of
chickenpox sores)
- is most commonly found on the back, chest, or abdomen
- usually doesn't burn or itch in children (as it does for
adults).
Your child will not have a fever or feel sick.
What is the cause?
Shingles (zoster) is caused by the chickenpox virus. The
disease is not caught from other people who have shingles or chickenpox. The
chickenpox virus stays inactive (dormant) in the bodies of some people and is
reactivated for unknown reasons as shingles. Children with shingles are
usually over age 3 years.
How long does it last?
New rashes continue to appear for several days. All the rash
dries up by 7 to 10 days. Complications do not occur unless the shingles
affect the eyes. If zoster involves the nose, the cornea is usually also
affected. Most people have shingles just once. A second attack occurs in only
5% of children.
How can I take care of my
child?
- Relief of symptoms
Most children have the rash but no symptoms. For pain, give
acetaminophen (Tylenol ) or ibuprofen (Advil) as needed. Do not give aspirin
because of the possible link of aspirin with Reye's syndrome in children.
Discourage scratching or picking the rash. The rash does not need any cream.
- Contagiousness
Children with shingles can transmit chickenpox (but not
shingles) to others. Transmission occurs by touching the rash. Although they
are far less contagious than children with chickenpox, children with
shingles should stay home from school for 7 days unless they can keep the
rash covered until it crusts over. Children or adults who have not had
chickenpox should avoid visiting a child with shingles (unless the rash is
covered).
When should I call my child's
health care provider?
Call IMMEDIATELY if:
- The rash is near the eye or nose.
Call during office hours if:
- The rash becomes very painful or very itchy.
- The rash lasts more than 14 days.
- The rash looks infected (pus or soft yellow scabs).
- You have other questions or concerns.
