Varicella Zoster/Chicken pox - Herpes Zoster/Shingles

NHSL Antimicrobial Guidelines
NHS Lanarkshire

Varicella zoster/chicken pox

CKS: Chickenpox

Herpes zoster/shingles

CKS: Shingles

Pregnant/immunocompromised/neonate: seek urgent specialist advice.

Chicken pox: IF onset of rash <24hrs & >14 years or severe pain or dense/oral rash or 2 degree household case or steroids or smoker, consider Aciclovir.

Shingles: treat if >50 years and within 72 hrs of rash (PHN rare if ​<50 years); or if active ophthalmic or Ramsey Hunt or eczema.

Drug details

Drug

If indicated:
Aciclovir

Dosage

800mg five times a day

Duration

7 days

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 22/03/2021

Next review date: 22/03/2024

Author(s): NHS Lanarkshire Antimicrobial Management Committee, Dr Dundas, Dr Hylands, S McCormick.

Approved By: AMC; ADTC

Reviewer name(s): NHS Lanarkshire Antimicrobial Management Committee.