title: Herpes zoster: a clinical study in 205 patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Even though herpes zoster is a common condition its incidence and pattern of occurrence in the era of HIV disease is significant.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the incidence, pattern of occurrence and evolution of herpes zoster with special attention to provocative factors if any.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was an analytical study conducted for 2 years based on a preformed proforma containing preliminary information, a detailed clinical evaluation regarding the segment of involvement, morphology, pattern of lesions, complications, disseminations etc. and investigations to establish provocative factors if any.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Incidence of herpes zoster was mainly in the fourth and third decades of life. A definite history of chicken pox was present in only 63.4% cases. In the majority (70%) herpes zoster occurred spontaneously. In 30% cases, immunosuppression due to chemotherapy, malignancy, HIV infection, diabetes mellitus were observed. The commonest segment affected was thoracic (42.4%) followed by cranial (28.2%) and cervical (12.1%). Majority resolved in 7-14 days except immunosuppressed. 34.6% of the patients had complications such as secondary bacterial infection, post herpetic neuralgia, and motor weakness. Ten patients had HIV infection as a provocative factor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of incidence and clinical pattern of herpes zoster is almost parallel to the previous studies. Any factors of immunosuppression should be checked, especially HIV, particularly in disseminated and long-lasting cases.
authors: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, India.
authors: E N
authors: EN
authors: Abdul Latheef
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Pavithran