[Management of herpes zoster infection]

Duodecim. 2009;125(15):1608-14.
[Article in Finnish]

Abstract

Approximately 10 to 30% of the population will suffer from herpes zoster (HZ) during their lifetime. Prompt treatment of acute HZ with acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir is recommend, if patients are over 50 years old or have severe or moderate pain or severe or moderate rash or they are immonocompromised or suffer from herpes zoster ophtalmicus. Zoster lesions contain high concentrations of Varicella zoster virus that can spread, and cause chicken pox. There is no universal recommendations for varicella vaccination. It has been shown that zoster vaccine markedly reduced morbidity from herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia among older adults.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chickenpox Vaccine
  • Herpes Zoster / drug therapy*
  • Herpes Zoster / epidemiology
  • Herpes Zoster / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Chickenpox Vaccine