8.2.13
Herpes zoster (shingles)
Clinical HIV Guidelines, 5th Edition, 2022. Chapter 8, HIV-related diseases.
Signs and symptoms
Grouped blisters in one patch; intense pain / burning; +/- fever; +/- body pains; lesions do not usually cross the body’s mid-line
Treatment
If face affected (ophthalmic division of the 5th cranial nerve):
Refer to eye specialist Monitor for secondary bacterial infection Analgesic Ladder Rigorous pain control Acyclovir tablets Must be started before blisters burst Adult: 800mg 5 times per day for 7 – 10 days Child: 20 mg/kg 8-hourly for 7 – 10 days Treat longer if the lesions heal slowly
Check doses against the printed guideline and your clinical judgement before treating a patient. Spotted an error? Report it from the contact links below.
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