Herpes zoster in healthy children: the innocent face of controversy

Authors

  • Tânia Pereira Médica Interna de Medicina Geral e Familiar
  • Luís Sousa Médico Interno de Medicina Geral e Familiar
  • Tahydi Valle Médica Especialista de Medicina Geral e Familiar USF + Carandá – ACES do Cávado I – Braga

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v31i1.11429

Keywords:

Herpes zoster, Shingles, Varicella, Varicella zoster virus, Infant

Abstract

Introduction: Herpes zoster (HZ) emerges sporadically by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV). It lies latent within the dorsal root of sensory ganglia or cranial nerves after primary infection, which manifests clinically as varicella. Its incidence increases with age and is rare in childhood. Case report: We describe the case of a 9-year-old previously healthy male, brought to medical consultation for pain and vesicular exanthema in the T1 dermatome, compatible with HZ. He was treated with acyclovir and improved clinically after three weeks. Discussion: In healthy children, HZ is rare. The main risk factor for childhood onset of HZ is primary VZV infection during gestation or the first year of life. It is not necessary to exclude underlying immunodeficiency, except in cases of recurrence. Due to its characteristics, childhood HZ is a disease that raises questions at diagnosis and regarding appropriate treatment.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2015-01-01

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 1 (2015): Revista Portuguesa de Medicina Geral e Familiar

Section

Brief Article

License

The authors will assign to the RPMGF the sole right to publish and distribute the content of the manuscript specified in this declaration via physical, electronic, broadcasting or any other medium that may come into existence. They also grant the RPMGF the right to use and exploit this manuscript, in particular by assigning, selling or licensing its content. This permission is permanent and takes effect from the moment the manuscript is submitted, has the maximum duration allowed by applicable Portuguese or international law and is of worldwide scope. The authors further declare that this assignment is made free of charge. If the RPMGF informs the authors that it is not going to publish their manuscript, the exclusive assignment of rights ceases forthwith.

The authors authorise the RPMGF (or any entity it may appoint) to act on their behalf when it believes that copyright may have been infringed.

 

How to Cite

Herpes zoster in healthy children: the innocent face of controversy. (2015). Portuguese Journal of Family Medicine and General Practice, 31(1), 34-7. https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v31i1.11429

Most read articles by the same author(s)