Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

Organism Herpes zoster.
Treatment Oral antiviral drugs are recommended if the following patient groups present within 72 hours of onset of rash.
  • > 50 years of age
  • have Ramsay Hunt syndrome
  • have atopic eczema
  • have eye involvement (see ophthalmic infections).
  • have contact with infants < 1 month

Acicolvir 800mg five times a day, or valaciclovir 1g three times a day (7 days).

Referral The immunocompromised should be referred to hospital for IV antiviral treatment.
 

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