What does shingles look like on a toddler?

The shingles rash most often occurs on the torso and buttocks. It may also appear on the arms, legs, or face. The rash starts as small, red spots that turn into blisters. The blisters turn yellow and dry.

Can toddlers have shingles?

Shingles can occur in any age group, but is more likely in those who have had chickenpox before age one, are over 50 years old, or have a weakened immune system. The incidence in children is low, but children who have weakened immune systems may experience the same, or more severe, symptoms as adults.

How do I know if my child has shingles?

Shingles in children is not common. The symptoms start with pain, burning, tingling or itching on one part of the face or body. The virus can then cause a red rash or small blisters, usually on one side of the body.

How contagious is shingles to toddlers?

While you’re waiting for the outbreak to end, if you have children or grandchildren you may be asking yourself, “Is shingles contagious to kids and babies?” The answer is no, you can’t give them — or other adults — shingles. But that doesn’t mean there is no risk in exposing them.

What does shingles look like in a child?

Shingles in Kids. Children can contract shingles, a red, blistery rash that appears along nerve pathways, if they have already had the chickenpox. Following a bout with chickenpox , the disease will lie dormant in the body. In some cases it reappears years later as a case of shingles.

What to do if your child is exposed to shingles?

What to Do If Your Unvaccinated Child Is Exposed to Shingles. If your unvaccinated child, or incompletely vaccinated child, who has never had chicken pox is exposed to shingles, you should talk to your pediatrician about getting him vaccinated with the chicken pox vaccine . The vaccine should be given as soon as possible and preferably within 3 days of the exposure, but it can work even if it is given as long as 5 days afterwards.

Is shingles common in children?

Shingles in children is not common. A child is more at risk for shingles if either of these are true: He or she had chickenpox before age 1. The child’s mother had chickenpox very late in pregnancy. Children who get the chickenpox vaccine still have a small risk for shingles.

Why do young children get shingles?

Shingles in children are caused by a virus that stays in the nerve roots in its inert state. Under conditions of weak immunity, the virus gets reactivated.