Pathology · single question
A patient had chickenpox as a child and now presents with unilateral lesions on the face and palate. What is the diagnosis?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
✓ A) Herpes Zoster (Shingles) is correct.
After primary VZV (chickenpox) infection, the virus lies dormant in dorsal root/cranial nerve ganglia (for head involvement: trigeminal ganglion). Reactivation causes Herpes Zoster (shingles). History of chickenpox + adult unilateral facial/oral vesicles = classic presentation. The unilateral dermatomal distribution (following the trigeminal nerve branches) distinguishes it from HSV-1 recurrence. Treatment: antiviral therapy (acyclovir/valacyclovir) started within 72 hours of onset reduces duration and post-herpetic neuralgia risk.
After primary VZV (chickenpox) infection, the virus lies dormant in dorsal root/cranial nerve ganglia (for head involvement: trigeminal ganglion). Reactivation causes Herpes Zoster (shingles). History of chickenpox + adult unilateral facial/oral vesicles = classic presentation. The unilateral dermatomal distribution (following the trigeminal nerve branches) distinguishes it from HSV-1 recurrence. Treatment: antiviral therapy (acyclovir/valacyclovir) started within 72 hours of onset reduces duration and post-herpetic neuralgia risk.