title: Herpes zoster: epidemiology, clinical features, and management.
abstract: Herpes zoster is a commonly encountered infectious disease primarily affecting the elderly and immunosuppressed. The natural history and complications of the disease and the principles of management are often not appreciated by clinicians in a variety of disciplines who may see the patient during the acute phase. Recent literature has furthered our understanding of the virology of herpes zoster and the roles of corticosteroid and antiviral therapy. We review the clinical features, diagnostic principles, and management controversies of herpes zoster.
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006563:Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus / Q000150:complications; D006564:Herpesviridae / Q000276:immunology; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007634:Keratitis / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000209:etiology; D014605:Uveitis / Q000209:etiology; D014740:Vidarabine / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007372:Interferons; D014740:Vidarabine; D000212:Acyclovir