Ophthalmic Zoster: A Rare and underdiagnosed Skin Disease in Children

Herpes zoster is due to a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) which remains quiescent in the dorsal sensory ganglia after chickenpox. The child's shingles are rare and particularly the ophthalmic form, which can be responsible for serious eye complications and adequate early management. It is sometimes associated with post-zosterian pain whose treatment is difficult. Oral acyclovir administered within 72 hours after the rash has proven effective in preventing eye complications. We report a new case in an immunocompetent boy of 9 years old, without any notion of anterior chickenpox.