Shingles

Question 1

This viral infection is caused by what virus?

Answer 1

Varicella

Question 2

What are the signs of herpes zoster?

Answer 2

Itching vesicles grouped together on top of red rash, painful to touch, low- grade fever, malaise

Question 3

How are shingles spread?

Answer 3

The vesicles contain fluid that transmits the virus

Question 4

Where is the rash usually located?

Answer 4

Along a dermatome

Question 5

What is a dermatome?

Answer 5

An area of skin that gets all of its innervations by a single spinal nerve.

Question 6

What are some areas of dermatomes?

Answer 6

Face, trunk, back

Question 7

Will the rash and vesicles be unilateral or bilateral?

Answer 7

Unilateral

Question 8

What are the isolation precautions for Herpes Zoster?

Answer 8

Respiratory isolation

Question 9

What is the treatment for shingles?

Answer 9

Analgesics
Supportive care
Cool compresses
Try to keep vesicles intact

Question 10

What may be seen after the vesicles have healed?

Answer 10

Scarring