Treatment for Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus
Article by Dan Rand
Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is a type of herpes zoster that is manifested through the presence of painful rashes with blisters. It is found around the eye on either side and sometimes, if left untreated, will cause an infection that can jeopardize the eye itself. This is an alarming case that needs to be treated as soon as possible as there is a potential for blindness.
Importance of Treatment
Treatment is, indeed, necessary in order to preserve the health of the infected person. The problem should be thoroughly analyzed so that possible solutions can be formulated.
Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is a viral skin infection caused by herpes zoster or Varicella zoster virus which, for the information of everyone, is the same etiologic agent that can cause chickenpox.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of herpes zoster ophthalmicus are painful rashes with blisters, pain in the affected eye, itching and a tingling sensation in the affected eye, and conjunctivitis. Complications include keratitis, uveitis, ulceration, and loss of vision. The main problem is the virus itself causes discomfort for the infected person. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is considered as an emergency case and the infected person should be referred immediately to an ophthalmologist so that complications can be prevented.
Purposes of Treatment
The purposes of the treatment of herpes zoster ophthalmicus are to manage the virus, manage the pain, and prevent further complication. These include the prescription of analgesics, antivirals, and steroids.
What is an Analgesic?
An analgesic is used to manage pain. “Over the counter analgesics” can be given to infected persons suffering from mild to moderate pain. The rashes or blisters are very irritating to the patient which is why topical lotions with calamine are often used to soothe the skin discomfort.
About Calamine and Other Treatments
Calamine has a mixture of zinc oxide and iron oxide which has a therapeutic and antiseptic action in order to prevent any infection that may be caused from scratching the affected area. It is an anti-pruritic medication to treat mild pruritic conditions, such as chickenpox, eczema, insect bites, poison ivy, rashes, sunburn and stings, and acts as an astringent to dry weeping blisters and acne abscesses.
Capsaicin cream or Zostrix is prescribed once the lesions have crusted over. Opioid medications, such as morphine, are prescribed to infected persons suffering from severe pain. Topical Lidocaine and other nerve blocks can be also used to reduce pain.
Using Antivirals
An antiviral is used to manage the viral infection. It inhibits the proliferation of Varicella zoster or herpes zoster virus as well as reduces the severity and duration of herpes zoster. Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are the oral antiviral medications prescribed.
Acyclovir is the most common antiviral drug being used not just for the treatment of herpes zoster or shingles, but also for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, and is given 800 mg 5 times a day for 7 to 10 days.
Valacyclovir is used for both herpes zoster and herpes simplex and is given 1g 3 times a day for 7 days. Famciclovir is used to treat different herpes virus infections, but it is common for herpes zoster which is given 500mg 3 times a day for 7 days.
Using Steroids
Steroids, mainly corticosteroids, are used to manage inflammation as well as pain. Topical corticosteroids, like prednisone, are required for conjunctivitis, keratitis, and/or uveitis. However, the use of oral corticosteroids in high doses and in a brief course, which was tested to patients over 50 years of age and had a normal immune response, still remains controversial.
How to Treat Complications
The following are the specific ophthalmic complications related to herpes zoster ophthalmicus and the specific treatment regimen which is prescribed by an ophthalmologist. Conjunctivitis can be managed by a cool compress, topical lubrication, and topical antibiotics. Topical steroids are used for stomal keratitis. Neurotrophic keratitis can be managed by topical lubrication, topical antibiotics, and tissue adhesives as well as protective contact lenses for corneal perforation prevention.
Topical steroids, oral steroids, oral acyclovir, and cycloplegics are used for uveitis. Scleritis or episcleritis can be managed by topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or topical steroids. Intravenous acyclovir for 7 to 10 days followed by oral acyclovir for 14 weeks, and laser or surgical intervention are use to manage acute retinal necrosis or progressive outer retinal necrosis.
In summary, the treatment of herpes zoster ophthalmicus depends on its severity. The earlier the intervention is given the better it is managed.
About the Author
Hal has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. He also writes about diet & nutrition. Come visit his latest website on lavender flower which gives people information on the lavender flower uses
