Herpes Zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection with a causative agent of Varicella zoster virus and is characterized by skin rashes observed on one side of the body. It is the dormant or inactive type of chicken pox and one cannot develop herpes zoster if the client has no history of chicken pox. Herpes zoster usually affects adults and the mode of transmission is direct by droplet. Once infected Herpes zoster does not give permanent immunity.
Signs and Symptoms of Herpes Zoster
- Presence or absence of low grade fever
- Headache, body malaise, muscle pain 24 to 48 hours before eruption
- Vesiculo-Pustular Rashes
- Painful and the pain persists for up to 2 months
- Unilateral distribution which follows the nerve pathway
- Appears in clusters
- Crusts
Diagnostic Exam for Herpes Zoster
Clinical observation only because only a few disease produces a rash in a dermatomal pattern.
Nursing Care for Herpes Zoster
Nursing care or interventions are focused on symptoms or are supportive care. Nurses should focus on skin care. Pain management is also advised.
Prevention of Herpes Zoster
A newly developed vaccine named Zostavax was found to have prevented half of the cases of herpes zoster in the United States
