Shingles In Children: Symptoms And Treatment
Shingles in children, also known as shingles, is a rare viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. Usually, the prognosis for this condition is good when the minor is healthy.
However, it is necessary for the little one to be diagnosed and treated in time to avoid complications. OK, but what are the causes of the disease? How do you recognize her? Read on to find out the detailed answers!
Shingles in children: causes
Symptoms of shingles in children
In general, the evolution of this disease is easier in children – its average duration is 1 to 3 weeks. Children between the ages of 2 and 12 may have itching and painful injuries. However, there is no acute neuropathic pain, which is the hallmark of shingles in adults.
Often, the infection is located in areas such as the torso and buttocks, although it can also occur on the arms, legs or face. Each child has different symptoms, but the most common clinical manifestations are:
Treatment of shingles in children
The first line of treatment for shingles in children is oral acyclovir, given four times a day. In addition, you can start treatment with topical antibiotics and zinc sulfate supplements to prevent superinfections.
Children who develop ophthalmic shingles should receive oral acyclovir due to its documented effects on complications such as uveitis or stromal keratitis.
Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is the antipyretic agent preferred by most people, due to the association between aspirin and Reye’s syndrome (sudden malaise, life-threatening encephalopathy and liver dysfunction).
There is also an epidemiological link between ibuprofen and the increased risk of invasive group A streptococcal disease in the context of chickenpox.
Important tips
Shingles in children is not contagious, but despite this, anyone with this disease can transmit the chickenpox virus to those who have never had the disease. The researchers determined that such a spread is caused only by direct contact with vesicles.
The symptoms of this infection may resemble other skin conditions. Therefore, you should consult a pediatrician to get an accurate diagnosis.
