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Aim: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a vesicular cutaneous infection caused by reactivation of the latent varicella-zoster virus from dorsal root ganglia. It is characterized by dermatome distribution. It is usually seen in the elderly and pediatric zoster is rare. In this study we evaluated 16 patients who were admitted to our pediatric clinic and diagnosed as HZ. Material and Method: Sixteen patients aged between 12 months and 17 years who were admitted to Ege University Medical Faculty Children Hospital and Tepecik Education and Research Hospital Pediatric Infection departments between January 2010 and September 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. Previous varicella disease, varicella vaccination history, existing chronic disease, immunodeficiency, immunosuppressive drug use, trauma, history of operation, history of radiation and presence of stress were questioned. Results: Nine of 16 patients who were diagnosed as HZ were female. Three patients had lumbar involvement, six had thoracic involvement, one had disseminated involvement, four had trigeminal involvement, one had cervical involvement and one had sacral involvement. All patients received systemic and local treatment. No complication was observed. Conclusions: Herpes zoster may be observed in children with or without immune suppression. The disease is benign in healthy children. Complications are rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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