Shingles

Micro Organisms

Herpes zoster

Duration

7 days

Notes

Important: Therapy

  • If pregnant/ immunocompromised seek urgent specialist advice
  • Treat if >50 yrs and within 72 hours of onset of rash (post-herpetic neuralgia rare in <50 yrs); or if active ophthalmic, or Ramsey Hunt or eczema

First line

Important: Therapy

Oral Aciclovir 800mg 5 times daily

Second line

Important: Therapy

Oral Valaciclovir 1g 8 hourly