AbstractHerpes zoster (HZ), a reactivation of virus after initial chickenpox infection was earlier believed to be rare in children and a marker for immunodeficiency and malignancy. Data regarding epidemiology of HZ in Indian children is lacking; we report here a series of 64 cases of paediatric HZ seen over a year. Fourteen patients had one or more systemic disease; most of these were more than 7 years of age. Complications such as keratitis, secondary skin infection, scarring, dyspigmentation and associated psychological effects are a major concern in children. Universal varicella vaccination is likely to aid in reduction in paediatric HZ.
Keywords: Pediatric Herpes Zoster; Varicella.