Herpes zoster differential diagnosis

Herpes zoster Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Herpes zoster from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms Herpes Zoster Congenital Varicella Syndrome
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Herpes zoster differential diagnosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Herpes zoster differential diagnosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Herpes zoster differential diagnosis
CDC on Herpes zoster differential diagnosis
Herpes zoster differential diagnosis in the news
Blogs on Herpes zoster differential diagnosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Herpes zoster
Risk calculators and risk factors for Herpes zoster differential diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; L. Katie Morrison, MD; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Varun Kumar, M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

Diagnosis of Herpes zoster might not be possible in the absence of a rash (i.e., before rash or in cases of zoster without rash). It is sometimes confused with herpes simplex, and, occasionally, with impetigo, contact dermatitis, folliculitis, scabies, insect bites, papular urticaria, candidal infection, dermatitis herpetiformis, and drug eruptions.

Differentiating Herpes Zoster from other Diseases

For rash:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Atypical measles
• Coxsackievirus infections
• Pyoderma
• Herpes simplex
• Impetigo
• Contact dermatitis
• Folliculitis
• Scabies
• Insect bites
• Papular urticaria
• Candidal infection
• Dermatitis herpetiformis
• Drug eruptions.

For pain symptoms depending on the location:

• Angina
• Cholecystitis
• Appendicitis
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Renal calculi
• Glaucoma
• Spinal cord compression

Herpes zoster can be more difficult to diagnose in children, younger adults, and immunocompromised persons who are more likely to have atypical presentations.