Herpes zoster is an acute, self-limited disease of infectious origin. It is characterized by grouped vesicular lesions on an erythematous base distributed over several dermatomes as well as single. In some cases the patients can be found to have
an
identifiable risk factor such as old age, malignancy, irradiation, chemotherapy, immunosuppresive therapy and trauma. The majority of cases are self-limlted and resolved completely. However it may have serious complications.
We reviewed 369 cases of herpes zoster to determine the distribution of lesions, incidence of postherpetic neuralgia, associated disorders, and the age. 134 cases(36.1%) of 369 cases with herpes zoster were associated with chronic disorders. The
complications of herpes zoster were developed in 71 cases (19.2%0 and postherpetic neuralgia(PHN) was the mot commom complication. The frequency and severity of postherpetic neuralgia were proportional to age. There was a predilection of the
involvement
in thoracic dermatomes lumbar dermatomes and ophthalmic division of trigeminal nerve in decreasing order of frequency. The incidence and duration of postherpetic neuralgia are significantly related to age.
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