Herpes Zoster in the Elderly

Abstract

Herpes zoster may attack 1 or 2 percent of geriatric patients every year. The elderly patient is often ravaged by the disease or its complications. The cornerstones of management are control of pain and prevention of complications. Postherpetic neuralgia is a frequent, distressing and pertinacious complication which may be prevented by early aggressive treatment. Various modalities of therapy including systemic corticosteroids are discussed.