Chicken pox: IF onset of rash <24hrs & >14 years or severe pain or dense/oral rash or 2 degree household case or steroids or smoker, consider aciclovir.
Shingles: treat if >50 years and within 72 hrs of rash (PHN rare if <50 years); or if active ophthalmic or Ramsey Hunt or eczema.
If indicated: aciclovir
800mg five times a day
7 days
Second line for shingles if compliance a problem, as ten times cost
Pregnant/immunocompromised/neonate: seek urgent specialist advice.
Chicken pox: IF onset of rash <24hrs & >14 years or severe pain or dense/oral rash or 2 degree household case or steroids or smoker, consider aciclovir.
Shingles: treat if >50 years and within 72 hrs of rash (PHN rare if <50 years); or if active ophthalmic or Ramsey Hunt or eczema.