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Shingles in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Shingles rash in band on front and back of right side of torso, with detail of shingles.

Shingles (herpes zoster) causes pain and a rash. Shingles may cause burning, tingling, or itching on either the left or right side of the body. Several days later, a band, strip, or small area of rash usually appears in the same area. The pain can be very severe. Blisters form and scab over after a few days and heal in 2 to 4 weeks. Medicines can help your child feel better and may help prevent more serious problems caused by shingles.

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. When your child has chickenpox, the virus gets into the nerve roots and stays there (becomes dormant) long after your child gets over the chickenpox. If the virus becomes active again, it can cause shingles.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

  • Be safe with medicines. Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine. Antiviral medicine helps your child get better faster.
  • Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to children and teens. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
  • Do not give a child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
  • Do not let your child scratch or pick at the blisters. Make sure they wash their hands often to prevent spreading the fluid from the blisters.
  • Keep the blisters covered until they heal over. Cover them with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
  • Keep your child away from close contact with people until the blisters have healed. It is very important for your child to avoid contact with anyone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. Young babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a hard time fighting infection (such as someone with HIV, diabetes, or cancer) are especially at risk.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your child has a new or higher fever.
  • Your child has a headache or stiff neck.
  • Your child loses the ability to think clearly.
  • The rash spreads to your child's forehead, nose, eyes, or eyelids.
  • Your child has eye pain, or their vision gets worse.
  • Your child has new pain in their face, or they cannot move the muscles in their face.
  • Blisters spread to new parts of your child's body.
  • Your child has symptoms of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • The rash has not healed after 2 to 4 weeks.
  • Your child still has pain after the rash has healed.
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