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Pediatric Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

Key Points About Shingles in Children

  • Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful skin rash. It’s caused by the virus that causes chickenpox.
  • Shingles in children is not common.
  • The symptoms start with pain, burning, tingling or itching on one part of the face or body. The virus can then cause a red rash or small blisters, usually on one side of the body.
  • Treatment right away with antiviral medicine may help lessen how long the symptoms last and how serious they are.
  • If your child’s pain is severe, the healthcare provider may prescribe strong pain medicine.
  • There is a shingles vaccine for older adults but not for children. But a child who has had the chickenpox vaccine may have milder symptoms of shingles.
Children's Team

Children's Team

Providers

Rana Hamdy

Rana Hamdy

Director, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program
Associate Director, Fellowship Training Program
Infectious Diseases Specialist
Departments

Departments

Dermatology

The Division of Dermatology at Children's National Hospital continues to expand services as more families seek our expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the skin, hair and nails.