Abstract

Objective: Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus that resides in a dorsal root ganglion. HZ is rare in immunocompetent children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographic features, clinical manifestations and complications of children diagnosed as HZ at our dermatology clinic.

Material and Methods: Patients under 18 years who presented with HZ to our dermatology clinic between October 2012 and September 2013 were retrospectively investigated. Age, gender, history of chickenpox, varicella vaccination, predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, associated diseases, use of immunosuppressive drugs, month of onset, complications and treatment were evaluated.results: Among the 24 patients diagnosed with HZ, 8 were girls (33.3%) and 16 were boys (66.6%). The median age was 13 years (2-17 years). While 16 (66.6%) patients had thoracic dermatome involvement, the rest had cervical (n=3, 12.5%), cervicothoracic (n=2, 8.3%), lumbar (n=3, 12.5%) dermatome involvement. None of the patients had disseminated eruption. Eight patients had local lymphadenopathy. All patients had pruritus and/or pain and eighteen patients had both pruritus and pain. Eleven patients had triggering factors such as emotional stress (originating from school or home), surgery, febrile illness and fasting. None of the patients had immunosuppression. HZ occurred in all seasons but most commonly in February. None of the patients had undergone varicella vaccination. A history of chickenpox was recorded in only 8 (%33.3) patients. Fifteen patients (%62.5) were given systemic antiviral treatment. Postherpetic neuralgia or major complications were not observed. conclusion: HZ can be seen in healthy children. Similar to adults, the common places of involvement are thoracic dermatomes. Stress, surgery, febrile illness and long-term hunger such as fasting can facilitate the development of HZ in healthy children. Postherpetic neuralgia or major complications do not usually occur in healthy children

Keywords: Child, Herpes zoster, Varicella-zoster virus

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How to cite

1.
Güven M, Bozkurt EÇ. Herpes Zoster Infection in Childhood: An Evaluation of 24 Cases. Turk J Pediatr Dis [Internet]. 2017 Dec. 1 [cited 2025 May 24];11(4):233-8. Available from: https://turkjpediatrdis.org/article/view/423