Shingles Flashcards
This viral infection is caused by what virus?
Varicella
What are the signs of herpes zoster?
Itching vesicles grouped together on top of red rash, painful to touch, low- grade fever, malaise
How are shingles spread?
The vesicles contain fluid that transmits the virus
Where is the rash usually located?
Along a dermatome
What is a dermatome?
An area of skin that gets all of its innervations by a single spinal nerve.
What are some areas of dermatomes?
Face, trunk, back
Will the rash and vesicles be unilateral or bilateral?
Unilateral
What are the isolation precautions for Herpes Zoster?
Respiratory isolation
What is the treatment for shingles?
Analgesics
Supportive care
Cool compresses
Try to keep vesicles intact
What may be seen after the vesicles have healed?
Scarring