Rethinking Shingles in Children: Expert Insights for Primary Care

Herpes zoster, aka shingles, is not just for grandparents anymore, Elizabeth Swanson, MD, said during her presentation during the "Big Rashes in Little Patients" session at the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting in Orlando. More children are being diagnosed with shingles, particularly immunocompetent children, Dr Swanson said at the meeting. Why the uptick? Above, Dr Swanson discusses the two leading theories for the increase, and urges clinicians to avoid immunodeficiency workups unless there is a history of unusual infections.

For more of our conversation with Dr Swanson about her presentation, "Hot Topics in Pediatric Infectious Skin Conditions," check out:

• Elizabeth Swanson, MD: When HSV Causes Big Dermatologic Problems
• Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Update: A Conversation with Elizabeth Swanson, MD
• Rethinking Shingles in Children: Expert Insights for Primary Care