I have just read the article regarding treatment of the above. I believe, where a patient has had herpes zoster infection before, and they have the tingling/pain signalling the reactivation of herpes zoster infection that they recognise from previous infections, that acyclovir oral should be prescribed at that point.
I am aware that many doctors would not prescribe until the rash presents, and I believe this puts patients at unnecessary risk of long term post shingles pain for no reason.
From the article, I believe overall it gives the impression that prescribing should happen on presentation of the rash. Can this be clarified?
Rapid Response:
Herpes Zoster Infection
Dear BMJ
I have just read the article regarding treatment of the above. I believe, where a patient has had herpes zoster infection before, and they have the tingling/pain signalling the reactivation of herpes zoster infection that they recognise from previous infections, that acyclovir oral should be prescribed at that point.
I am aware that many doctors would not prescribe until the rash presents, and I believe this puts patients at unnecessary risk of long term post shingles pain for no reason.
From the article, I believe overall it gives the impression that prescribing should happen on presentation of the rash. Can this be clarified?
Thank you
Eileen Hoogduyn
Competing interests: No competing interests