Abstract
This guideline is aimed at registrars and consultants in dermatology, ophthalmology, ENT, pediatrics, neurology, virology as well as infectiology, anaesthesia and generell medicine as well as policymakers and payers and purchasers of care. It was developed by dermatologists, virologists, ophthalmologists, ENT physicians, neurologists, pediatrician and anesthetists using a formal consensus process (S2k).The guideline provides an overview of clinical and molecular diagnostics as well as antigen detection, antibody culture and viral culture. Diagnostic special situations and complicated courses of the disease are also considered. The antiviral therapy of zoster and postzoster neuralgia is presented in general and for special situations. Detailed information on the treatment of pain is mentioned and presented in an overview. Likewise, the local therapeutic measures are discussed.