Chickenpox

Antiviral therapy may be considered in adolescents in whom disease may be more severe than in younger children. Treatment should start within 24 hours of onset of rash

In patients with symptoms / signs of pneumonitis, give IV therapy initially and watch for significant respiratory compromise

If admitted, child should be nursed in an isolation room. Beware: chickenpox is a highly contagious disease

Treatment

Not usually required

If required:

Aciclovir (PO if well, IV if immunocompromised)

Duration: at least 10 days in total (IV, if used, for initial 7 days)

Treatment should be given to all immunocompromised patients and continued until 48 hours after all lesions have crusted over, even if this means treating for more than 10 days

Shingles

Aciclovir may reduce severity, pain and duration of viral shedding if treatment started within 72 hours of onset of rash
Aciclovir PO

If severe, or an immunocompromised patient:

Aciclovir IV

Duration: at least 7 days

Gingivostomatitis

If immunocompromised, seek specialist advice

Treatment in severe cases:

Aciclovir PO