Objectives
Definition
Etiology
Clinical pictures
Is shingles contagious?
other conditions should be consider
Deferential diagnosis
Diagnosis and investigations
Prognosis
Complications
Treatment
Prevention
Definition
Herpes zoster:
Also called shingles, zona, and zoster. The culprit is the
varicella-zoster virus. Primary infection with this virus causes
chickenpox (varicella). At this time the virus infects nerves
(namely, the dorsal root ganglia) where it remains latent
for years
In diagnosis, other conditions should be
consider :
Cholecystitis and biliary colic
Conjunctivitis
Renal calculi
Atopic dermatitis
Atypical measles
Angina
Eczema
Abscess
Syphilis
Back pain
Deferential diagnosis
•Chickenpox
•Contact Dermatitis, Allergic
•Contact Dermatitis, Irritant
•Cowpox Infection
•Herpes Simplex
•Insect Bites
Diagnosis and investigations
Diagnosis based primarily on the history and physical findings—
specifically, the characteristic location and appearance of the skin
eruption in association with localized pain.
Tests are rarely needed, but may include taking a skin sample to see
if the skin is infected with the virus.
Blood tests may show an increase in white blood cells and
antibodies to the chickenpox virus. But the tests cannot confirm that is shingles.
Prognosis
Herpes zoster usually clears in 2 to 3 weeks and rarely returns. If the virus
affects the motor nerves, you may have temporary or permanent
weakness or paralysis.
Sometimes the pain may last from months to years. This pain is called
postherpetic neuralgia.
It occurs when the nerves have been damaged after an outbreak of
shingles. Pain ranges from mild to very severe. Postherpetic neuralgia is
more likely to occur in persons over age 60.
Complications
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)
Skin infection
Eye problems
Weakness
other rare complications
Treatment
Two main aims of treating shingles are:
To ease any pain and discomfort during the episode of shingles.
To prevent, as much as possible, PHN from developing.
Sources
http://emedicine.medscape.com
http://www.mayoclinic.org
http://www.patient.co.uk
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
http://www.medicinenet.com
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