The chickenpox virus lies dormant in the bodies of some people and is reactivated for unknown reasons as zoster. Children with zoster are usually over age 3 years. All the rash dries up by 7 to 10 days. Complications do not occur unless the shingles affect the eyes. If zoster involves the nose, the cornea is usually also affected.
Most children have the rash but no symptoms.
For pain, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed. Avoid giving aspirin for zoster because of the possible link of aspirin and viral infections with Reye's syndrome. Discourage scratching or picking the rash. The rash does not need any cream. Transmission occurs by touching the zoster rash.