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Herpes zoster – case report
Klaudija Gospić
orcid.org/0000-0002-6830-3791
; Dom zdravlja Zadarske županije, Zadar
Hrvoje Vuković
; Dom zdravlja Zadarske županije, Zadar
Abstract
Herpes zoster is a sporadic disease of adults and the elderly and is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, which after primary infection in the form of varicella remains latent in cells ganglia or ganglia of certain brain nerve (zoster ophthalmicus, zoster oticus). It is manifested by the characteristic unilateral vesicular rash of the body, mostly at intercostal region, abdomen and back, and is preceded by nonspecific prodromal stage with the appearance of fatigue, mild fever, weakness and paresthesia. Neuralgia which accompanies the appearance of the rash manifests itself as a strong sharp pain or burning sensation in the region of the corresponding dermatome and can last a long time after withdrawal of the skin changes. Antiviral drugs, oral and local, corticosteroids per os and B vitamins (B1, B6, B12), are applied in the treatment of herpes zoster, usually within 72 hours after the appearance of the rash. Herpes zoster should be diagnosed in time in order to start antiviral therapy, soothe pain. If neuralgia persists, the family doctor together with the patient has to find the appropriate treatment, in order to alleviate his discomfort and allow daily activities. Upon completion of the treatment it is also necessary to exclude the existence of malignant diseases, especially in the elderly. This paper presents the approach and treatment of patients with herpes zoster and also points to the importance of discovering the possible causes, such as malignancy, especially in the case of elderly patients
Keywords
herpes zoster; vesicular rash; neuralgia; elderly, family medicine
Hrčak ID:
188091
URI
Publication date:
23.10.2017.
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