Infectious disease Flashcards
1
Q
What is Shingles
Presentation
How to diagnose
A
After chicken pox, virus remains dormant in sensory nerve roots. Reactivation is dermatomal = Shingles
Presentation
- Painful, hyper aesthetic area, then macular —> vesicular rash in dermatomal distribution
- Disseminated infection if immunosuppressed
- Infectious until scabs appear
Diagnosis = clinical unless immunosuppressed
- Viral PCR, culture, immunofluorescence
Complications
- Post-herpetic neuralgia
Management
- Oral Aciclovir for uncomplicated e.g. 800mg 5x/day continued for 2 days after crusting of lesions
- IV acyclovir if pregnant, immunocompromised, severe/disseminated disease (including ocular)
2
Q
Most common complications of shingles and how to treat
A
Post herpetic neuralgia
Paracetamol
If not enough - amitryptiline, duloxetine, gabapentin or pre-gablin
