Clinical and Epidemiological Profile of Herpes Zoster and Its Complications in a Tertiary Care Center of Bihar: A Prospective Study

Background Herpes zoster is a common viral infection caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) characterized by the presence of a segmental distribution of painful grouped vesicles on an erythematous base. It is associated with several complications like zoster-associated pain (ZAP), postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), pigmentary changes, scarring, secondary infections, and dermatosis as well as severe systemic complications. Aims/objectives The aim of the study was to analyze the various clinical and epidemiological patterns of herpes zoster and post-herpetic complications. Materials and methods We conducted a single-center observational cross-sectional study on 72 patients with herpes zoster and post-herpetic complications attending the dermatology outpatient department (OPD) to understand its various clinical and epidemiological patterns. A detailed history taking regarding the onset, progression, and complications of the disease, as well as the type, duration, and severity of pain, was taken, followed by a general physical, systemic, and cutaneous examination, along with investigations wherever needed. Results A total of 72 patients were included in the study, comprising 32 (44.4%) patients suffering from herpes zoster and 40 (55.5%) patients suffering from post-herpetic complaints. The minimum age was 14 years, the maximum age was 83 years, and the mean age in our study was 52 ± 17 years. The most commonly affected age group was 41-60 years. A total of 52 males and 22 females were included in the study, resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 2.3:1. The thoracic dermatome was the most commonly involved dermatome, observed in 43 (59.7%) patients, and the left side was more commonly affected, seen in 41 (56.9%) patients. Among the total 72 patients, 26 (36.1%) had co-morbidities, with hypertension (18%) being the most common, followed by diabetes mellitus (12.5%). Regarding the post-herpetic complaints encountered in our study, the most common was post-herpetic neuralgia, seen in 31 (77.5%) patients, followed by post-herpetic pigmentation (macular), observed in 22 (55%) patients, and scarring (papules, plaques, hypertrophic scar, and keloid), observed in 17 (42.5%) patients. Conclusion A broader understanding of the clinical and epidemiological factors of herpes zoster and post-herpetic complications is important as this disease constitutes a considerable burden in a tertiary care center and if not treated adequately, the after-effects might last for many years altogether. Hence, early diagnosis and initiation of adequate antiviral therapy as well as pain management is the key aspect of management.