ACYCLOVIR IN CHICKEN POX: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Key words: Varicella, Acyclovir

Chicken pox is still a common disease, usually with a favourable course. Complications are rare (2-3/100.000) in immunocompetent patients. The Authors review the published experience regarding treatment with acyclovir and conclude that the advantage is marginall (25% reduction of the duration of symptoms), while there is no reduction in the rate of complications. Acyclovir should be used in immunocompromised patients including primary immune deficiencies, patients treated with steroids or long-term salycilates, patients affected by chronic lung diseases, eczema, diabetes and heart diseases.