Herpes Zoster (HZ), caused by the reactivation of the latent Varicella Zoster Virus infection is a disease that may rarely develop in childhood. HZ is considered to be a disease of adult, but recent reports show an increase in the number of cases in childhood. This study was designed to evaluate the demographic and clinical features of children with HZ. Data from patients under 18 years of age that were diagnosed with HZ at two different dermatology outpatient clinics were retrospectively evaluated between October 2012 and December 2018. Out of 60 cases enrolled in the study, 37 were male and 23 were female. The mean age of patients was 8 ± 4.93 years. Of all the cases, 46 had a history of chickenpox. Three patients had been vaccinated against chickenpox. Itching, observed in 48 subjects, was the most common symptom, while 38 subjects complained of pain. Acyclovir was prescribed as antiviral therapy in 33 cases. None of the cases showed any complication. HZ may occur in healthy children without any immunosuppression, too. Pain in children is less common than in adults whereas, itching is more frequent. Complications are rare in these subjects.

In the neonatal period, which defines the first 4-week period of life, the skin has some distinctive characteristics compared with the adult skin. 1,2 The thickness of neonatal skin is between 40% and 60% of adult skin. In addition, weak adhesion between cells and less sweat production are among the other characteristics of neonatal skin. 3 It is known that pathological and physiological manifestations are often confused during this period. 1,2 Skin changes in newborns were first described by Ballantyne in 1895. 4 The vast majority of neonatal skin lesions are considered physiological and transient, which do not require treatment. However, some skin manifestations have a diagnostic value as in Epidermolysis bullosa and Incontinentia pigmenti.Accurate identification of these lesions helps reduce diagnostic difficulties and redundant treatments for all physicians evaluating newborns, and also abates unnecessary anxiety in families. 1,3,5,6 Studies report that 57-99.3% of newborns have at least one skin manifestation, while 84% have multiple skin manifestations. The incidence of these manifestations varies geographically and ethnically, and the presence of some skin lesions varies depending on the type of skin. 3,5 Lanugo, sebaceous hyperplasia, and physiological desquamation are among the temporary lesions specific to this period. 3