Case Studies

 Case 2.2 Recurrent herpes zoster

A 72-year-old woman was commenced on oral corticosteroids for giant cell arteritis. Over the next 6 months she had three episodes of a painful, vesicular rash ('shingles') typical of herpes zoster affecting the ophthalmic division of the right trigeminal nerve. Each episode was successfully treated with oral acyclovir but she experienced considerable post-herpetic neuralgia. A steady improvement in her arteritic symptoms and inflammatory indices allowed a reduction in steroid dosage over a period of 6 months, with no further episodes of zoster.