Chicken pox: Consider treatment if onset of rash <24hrs, and 1 of the following: over 14 years of age; severe pain; dense/oral rash; taking steroids; smoker. Give paracetamol for pain relief.
Shingles: treat if >50 years and within 72 hrs of rash (PHN rare if <50 years); or if 1 of the following: active ophthalmic, Ramsey Hunt, eczema, non-truncal involvement; moderate or severe pain; moderate or severe rash. Shingles treatment if not within 72 hours: consider starting antiviral drug up to 1 week after rash onset, if high risk of severe shingles or continued vesicle formation; older age; immunocompromised; or severe pain.
Pregnant/immunocompromised/neonate: seek urgent specialist advice.
Chicken pox: Consider treatment if onset of rash <24hrs, and 1 of the following: over 14 years of age; severe pain; dense/oral rash; taking steroids; smoker.
Give paracetamol for pain relief.
Shingles: treat if >50 years and within 72 hrs of rash (PHN rare if <50 years); or if 1 of the following: active ophthalmic, Ramsey Hunt, eczema, non-truncal involvement; moderate or severe pain; moderate or severe rash.
Shingles treatment if not within 72 hours: consider starting antiviral drug up to 1 week after rash onset, if high risk of severe shingles or continued vesicle formation; older age; immunocompromised; or severe pain.
For glossary of terms see Glossary