HERPES ZOSTER

I. Synonym 1. Shingles is not transmitted from

exposure to another infected person
1. Shingles so there is no applicable incubation
II. Definition period. Anyone who has recovered
from varicella may develop shingles.
Herpes zoster, also Shingles, gets its VI. Signs and Symptoms
name from both the Latin and French 1. Pain
words for belt or girdle and refers to 2. Itching
girdle-like skin eruptions that may occur 3. Tingling in the area where the rash
on the trunk of the body. Initially, red develops prior to blistering.
patches of rash develop into blisters. 4. Headache
Because the virus travels along the nerve 5. Fever
to the skin, it can damage the nerve and 6. Malaise
cause it to become inflamed. This 7. Chills
condition can be very painful. If
the pain persists long after the rash VII. Pathognomonic sign
disappears, it is known as 1. Regional Painful Rash
postherpetic neuralgia. 2. Lesions follow peripheral nerve
pathway of CN V and CN VII.

III. Etiologic Agents

VIII. Diagnostic test
1. The virus that causes chickenpox,
1. Tzanck testing can be used to
the Varicella Zoster Virus (VSV),
diagnose viral disease, such as
can become dormant in nerve cells
herpes simplex and herpes zoster,
after an episode of chickenpox and
and is done when active intact
later reemerge as shingles.
vesicles are present. Tzanck testing
cannot distinguish between herpes
IV. Mode of transmission
simplex and herpes zoster infections.
Transmission of the virus occurs
An intact blister is the preferred
through direct contact with the rash
lesion for examination. The blister
or fluid from the lesions. If the
roof is removed with a sharp blade,
person exposed has not previously
and the base of the unroofed vesicle
had chicken pox, that person would
is scraped with a #15 scalpel blade.
develop chicken pox, not shingles.
The scrapings are transferred to a
Therefore, shingles cannot be passed
slide and stained with Wright's stain
from one individual to another.
or Giemsa stain.

V. Incubation period Multinucleated giant cells are a sign of

herpes infection.
2. Culture of Wound Secretions 2. Acute pain related to the presence of
lesions and pruritus
IX. Drug of choice 3. Deficient knowledge of the cause of
the skin disorder and recommended.
1. Acyclovir hasten the healing and
decreases the pain if started within
72 hours of vesicle appearance
Submitted by:
X. Immunization Peter Francis O. Gonzaga
1. The varicella vaccine is a live 3 NRS-2 Group #4
(attenuated) vaccine that protects
against the viral disease commonly Submitted to:
known as chickenpox, Herpes zoster, Mr. Armando Delos Santos RN,
and Postherpetic neuralgia. MAN,
Clinical Instructor
XI. Prevention and control
1. People with shingles should keep
the rash covered and not touch or
scratch the rash.
2. Wash hands properly and often.
3. There is no shingles vaccine
available for children; however,
administration of the varicella
vaccine will prevent infection if
contact with a shingles case occurs.

XII. Nursing management

1. Wear a clean cotton undershirt each
day.
2. Trim the fingernails short, and keep
the hands clean.
3. Wash the hands each time the area
is touched.
4. Wash any soiled clothes or linens in
hot water and soap.
5. Do not allow other family members
to use your towels.
6. Take medications as prescribed for
itching and pain.
7. Wash the sores and the skin around
them very gently with a soft
washcloth and a mild soap.

XIII. Possible nursing diagnosis

1. Risk For Infection r/t to disease
process