Evaluation Of Corticosteroids In The Treatment Of Herpes Zoster

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of corticosteroids in the treatment of herpes zoster.Methods:48 patients who were recently diagnosed as herpes zoster and admitted in Department of Dermatology Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital were enrolled in our study. All patients received antivirals and analgesic treatment,and give them Mecobalamin Tablets. Among them,24 patients were given corticosteroids from the beginning of the treatment. The duration for lesion healing and pain relief was compared and statistically analysed between patients with and without corticosteroids treatment. Local edema was observed in patients with corticosteroids treatment.Results:Compared with the control group, patients given corticosteroids had shorter term to access lesion healing and significant pain relief. The difference is statistically significant (P<0.05). Local edema disappeared quickly.Conclusions:In the treatment of herpes zoster, the properly use of corticosteroids, combined with acyclovir, can shorten the duration for lesion and local edema healing and pain relief.