GERIATRIC HERPES ZOSTER ^*

Abstract

A bstract A retrospective study was made of the 243 geriatric patients with herpes zoster and post‐zoster complications referred to Duke University Medical Center during the years 1939 through 1968. The factors of age, race, sex, distribution, laterality, duration, severity, complications, and associated disorders were evaluated. There was an absolute increase in the frequency of trigeminal nerve involvement among geriatric zoster patients compared with zoster patients of all ages. The commonly‐held belief that the duration is longer and the disease more severe in geriatric patients was confirmed. The incidence of complications also was significantly increased in the 243 geriatric zoster patients. Suggestions concerning the management of both uncomplicated and complicated cases of herpes zoster are made. The use of large systemic dosages of corticosteroids is discussed in terms of the benefits versus the risks.