Question

Discussion: Antimicrobials

is an Elderly patient with Hepes Zoster Dermatitis on the thorax plus onychomycosis ;

So Explain which type of antibiotic you consider the case you got ?

Answer 1

Herpes Zoster Dermatitis is also known as Shingles. It is a viral disease that is known to cause painful skin rash at the infected area. It mostly affects the people who have low immunity. Zoster vaccines help to reduce the chance of getting Herpese Zoster Virus.

There is no particular antibiotic to cure this condition however it is seen that Analgesics, Antivirals and Steroids. It is also seen that few other drugs such as acyclovir and valacyclovir have been used recently and have brought about positive changes in treatment of this disease.

For this patient we could use Analgesics and antivirals since the patient is elderly, mild medication is to be used so that no side-effects would cause any harm to the patient. Lotions containing calamine may be used for soothing the irritation that occurs due to this rash and blisters. Capsaicin lotion or cream can be used along with lidocaine to reduce the pain.

Aciclovir is the most used drug for the treatment for shingles however valacyclovir and famciclovir could be used as it has helped many patients with a positive outcome.