Antivirals, pain relief, rest are key to zoster management

Narrow-band ultraviolet light is another easy and inexpensive option, Dr. Tomecki said. ”We only have a small study on this, but more than 50% of patients in it did very well.”

The 17 patients had three weekly sessions of light therapy for 15 weeks or until pain disappeared. About half reported at least a 50% improvement in pain by the end of 3 months (Indian J Dermatol. 2011 Jan-Feb;56[1]:44–47).

“These are both interventions that are easily available, inexpensive, and well within our reach as dermatologists,” he said.

He had no financial disclosures.

msullivan@frontlinemedcom.com

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