Disseminated Herpes Zoster in a Healthy Child

Abstract

Introduction: Herpes zoster virus infection is common in both adults and children, regardless of their immune status. However, disseminated shingles is very uncommon; predominates in immunosuppressed hosts and it constitutes a rarity in healthy individuals, especially in pediatrics. Objective: To describe the case of a healthy child with disseminated shingles, its treatment, evolution and follow-up. Case report: A ten-year-old male subject, with no relevant previous history, attended consultation for pain and functional weakness in the left upper limb, with five days of evolution. The patient was in good general condition. Physical examination found vesicles grouped in clusters, on an erythematous base, located in the facial region, the anterior and posterior trunk, and at the level of the left upper limb; some of them covered by ribs, associated with limitation of movement and hyperesthesia; without mucosal involvement. Laboratory and imaging diagnostic studies did not reveal remarkable data. By semiological findings disseminated herpes zoster was diagnosed. He was medicated with acyclovir, penicillin, and clindamycin. In addition to isolation and interdisciplinary control measures. He evolved favorably and continued with outpatient follow-up for one year, without the occurrence of sequelae. Conclusions: Before the finding of compatible lesions, it is important to suspect the disease and initiate treatment early, without omitting the implementation of isolation measures in the acute period or future follow-up to rule out the late occurrence of sequelae.