Atul Vijay 1 , Naresh Rathod 2
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a common viral disorder with characteristic rashes and pain. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is most common complication of HZ. There may be increased chances of PHN in the presence of various risk factors. AIM: To study the clinical and epidemiological data of HZ and assess the relation between risk factors and developement of PHN. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study cases of HZ attending the outdoor of dermatology department were included irrespective of age and sex. Relevant demographic and clinical findings of all the cases were recorded in a predesigned performa. Cases were followed up for next 6 months for the development of any complication and recorded the same if occurred. Relevant risk factors in cases of PHN were observed, recorded and analysed. RESULTS: 123 cases were included in the study. Most common age group affected was 31-40 years, slightly more common in female sex and commonly occurred in immunocompromised cases. Most common dermatome affected was thoracic. PHN occurred in 23 (18.7%) cases. About 61% of PHN cases were above the age of 50 years and it occurred in 45.45% cases of HZ with ophthalmic involvement. CONCLUSION: HZ is a common disease in the cases attending the dermatology OPD. PHN is most common complication which is more commonly associated with older age, female sex, presence of prodrome, severe rash and pain within 3 days and involvement of ophthalmic division of trigeminal nerve. But ther is no significant relation between occurrence of PHN and antiviral drug treatment
