Herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in the elderly

Geriatr Nurs. 2000 May-Jun;21(3):132-5; quiz 136. doi: 10.1067/mgn.2000.108260.

Abstract

This article describes herpes zoster (HZ), its cause, diagnosis, treatment, and associated complications. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication of HZ, is the primary focus of the discussion. PHN is defined broadly as chronic pain that persists after the characteristic vesicular rash of HZ has resolved.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Herpes Zoster* / complications
  • Herpes Zoster* / diagnosis
  • Herpes Zoster* / drug therapy
  • Herpes Zoster* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuralgia / diagnosis
  • Neuralgia / drug therapy
  • Neuralgia / epidemiology
  • Neuralgia / virology*
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • United States / epidemiology