Shingles

Causes

Shingles is caused by the Varicella zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles occurs in children and adults who’ve previously had chickenpox. After an episode of chickenpox, the Varicella zoster virus ‘sleeps’ in the nerve cells and can be triggered by unknown causes.

Shingles often appears when someone is run down after illness, has an underlying condition affecting the immune system, or is taking medication affecting the immune system.

Shingles rarely affects children under three years of age.

Symptoms

Shingles causes a rash of small red lumps that then form fluid-filled blisters on one side of the body. The blisters usually run in a discrete line as the virus travels down a particular nerve.

New lumps form in the first 2-3 days. Over the next few days the blisters crust over.

The rash occurs on the upper body more often than on the face, legs or arms. It’s not usually itchy but can be very painful. Your child won’t usually feel ill or have a fever.

If your child has shingles, he can spread the chickenpox virus to other children who’ve never been infected or immunised. Keep your child at home for a week or more, until his rash dries up. If your child has shingles, try to make sure that everybody who comes into contact with him during this time has been immunised or has had chickenpox before.

When to see your doctor

You should take your child to the doctor if: 

• the rash is on your child’s face or in her eye
• your child complains that the rash is either very itchy or painful
• you’re not sure whether the rash is shingles
• your child suffers from a chronic illness, or is taking immunosuppressive medication
• the rash doesn’t clear up in 10-14 days
• the rash looks infected, or your child has a fever or is otherwise unwell.

Treatment

There’s no cure for shingles. All you can do is treat the symptoms. Specific treatment is rarely needed.

Your doctor might prescribe an antiviral drug, such as aciclovir, if your child is seen within 72 hours of the rash starting.

Paracetamol might help relieve mild pain. Avoid applying creams or lotions to the rash. If your child has scratched the rash and broken the skin, apply antiseptic to prevent infection to the area. 

Complications

Shingles can occasionally affect the eye, usually the cornea. Your child’s eye might become red and sore, with tiny ulcers appearing. If you think your child has shingles in his eye, see your doctor immediately.

Prevention

Routine immunisation against the Varicella zoster virus is given to children in Australia at 18 months old and again during the first year of high school. The vaccine is unnecessary if the child has a history of chickenpox or shingles.

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