Dermatology

Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Test and Diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually made clinically. 2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification. Direct virus detection using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) from vesicle contents, skin biopsies, cerebrospinal fluid* , or blood – for detection of varicella zoster virus infection [sensitivity and specificity … Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Test and Diagnosis

Polymorphous Light Dermatosis: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin [patchy erythema (areal redness of skin), followed by: bullae (blisters), papules (vesicles), papulo-vesicles (mixture of papule and vesicle (vesicle)), plaques] Predilection sites (typical sites for the appearance of … Polymorphous Light Dermatosis: Examination

Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Drug Therapy

Therapeutic targets Shortening the symptomatic phase Avoidance of complications Therapy recommendations Antiviral therapy: as soon as possible: virostasis (antivirals/drugs that inhibit viral replication)Note: Antiviral therapy within 72 hours of vesicle breakdown also reduces the risk of postzoster neuralgia.First-line therapy: Patients <50 years + limited findings on trunk and extremities: Antivirals (aciclovir, brivudine, valaciclovir, and famciclovir), … Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Drug Therapy

Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Diagnostic Tests

Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of history and physical examination. Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnosis in case of complications. Computed tomography of the skull (cranial CT, cranial CT or cCT) – if meningoencephalitis … Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Diagnostic Tests

Polymorphous Light Dermatosis: Drug Therapy

Therapeutic target Alleviation of symptoms Therapy recommendations Beta-carotene Nicotinamide and folic acid Corticosteroids; azathioprine in extreme individual cases. Antihistamines can relieve the itching See also under “Further therapy“. All agents have in common a relatively limited efficacy. In experimental studies, efficacy has been demonstrated for E. coli extract. Supplements (dietary supplements; vital substances) Appropriate dietary … Polymorphous Light Dermatosis: Drug Therapy

Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate herpes zoster (shingles): Prodromal stage (early phase of disease in which nonspecific symptoms occur; about 5 days): First, nonspecific general symptoms (fatigue, impaired performance, fever, and aching limbs) occur. Then local pruritus (itching) and paresthesias (sensory disturbances). Then appearance of typical zoster vesicles (herpetiform vesicles; centrally forked, usually … Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Polymorphous Light Dermatosis: Prevention

Limiting sun exposure contributes to the prevention of polymorphous light dermatosis. Prophylaxis is of significant importance. By becoming accustomed to light by means of, for example, phototherapy to general light protection measures (sunscreens with a high sun protection factor (UV-A and UV-B protection), the wearing of caps/hats, etc.), the affected person can prevent or reduce … Polymorphous Light Dermatosis: Prevention

Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease) Herpes zoster is a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (synonyms: varicella zoster virus (VZV) – also spelled varicella zoster virus and referred to as human herpes virus-3), which has survived inconspicuously for many years in the area of the spinal and/or cranial nerve ganglia. Due to a weakened immune system, … Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Causes

Polymorphous Light Dermatosis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate polymorphous light dermatosis: Initially, itching occurs, followed by patchy redness of the skin. Thereafter, the following efflorescences (skin changes; skin bloom) may occur: Bullae (blisters) Papules (vesicles) Papulo-vesicle – a mixture of papule and vesicle (vesicle) represents. Plaques (areal or plate-like substance proliferation of the skin). Predilection sites … Polymorphous Light Dermatosis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs