Herpes Zoster

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

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

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

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

Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Infections with other viruses, such as herpes simplex virus or coxsackieviruses. Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99). Arteritis temporalis (synonyms: Arteriitis cranialis; Horton’s disease; giant cell arteritis; Horton-Magath-Brown syndrome) – systemic vasculitis (vascular inflammation) affecting the arteriae temporales (temporal arteries), especially in the elderly. Psyche – nervous system (F00-F99; G00-G99). … Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Complications

The following are the most important diseases or complications that can be caused by herpes zoster (shingles): Respiratory system (J00-J99) Pneumonia (pneumonia)/pneumonitis (esp. in immunosuppressed patients) – Note: typical skin changes show up only with a long latency of up to 14 days. Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59). Zoster ophthalmicus (affects 10-20% of adult zoster … Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Complications

Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes and sclerae (white part of the eye) rash with formation of vesicles (zoster vesicles; also possible without efflorescence) in the affected dermatome/skin area, … Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Examination

Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of herpes zoster (shingles). Family history What is the general health of your relatives? Social anamnesis Current medical history/systemic medical history (somatic and psychological complaints). How long have the skin lesions (with a formation of vesicles) been present? Where are the skin lesions? … Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Medical History

Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Therapy

General measures Observance of the general hygiene measures! Nicotine restriction (refrain from tobacco use). Alcohol restriction (abstaining from alcohol) Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease. Regular check-ups Regular medical checkups Nutritional medicine Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease … Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Therapy