[Herpes zoster in old adults].
The varicella-zoster virus is an exclusively human herpesvirus, responsible for chickenpox. Its reactivation, after several decades, causes herpes zoster (shingles). Herpes zoster produces a rash, classically metameric, that causes acute pain and complications to elderly patients. The last, most painful, and disabling of these is postherpetic neuralgia. This neuralgia is defined as a painful syndrome lasting for more than 30 days after eruption of the rash. Today's systemic antiviral drugs can reduce the severity of the eruption, limit the pain, and diminish the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia. A recent advance in primary prevention is approval of a vaccine (Zostavax) to prevent herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in subjects 60 years or older.
Lang
Pierre-Olivier
PO
Département de réhabilitation et gériatrie, Faculté de médecine et Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève, CH-1226 Thônex-Genève, Suisse. Pierre.O.Lang@hcuge.ch
Belmin
Joël
J
Michel
Jean-Pierre
JP
D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D053061:Herpes Zoster Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D051474:Neuralgia, Postherpetic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D014775:Virus Activation
D000700:Analgesics; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D053061:Herpes Zoster Vaccine