2020
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3357
|View full text |Cite
|
Sign up to set email alerts
|

Diagnostic Value of Laboratory Parameters for Distinguishing Between Herpes Zoster and Bacterial Superficial Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Abstract: Clinical differentiation between superficial skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI, including cellulitis and erysipelas) and herpes zoster of the face can be difficult. Moreover, bacterial superinfection can develop in patients with herpes zoster. This may lead to delayed treatment or unnecessary use of antibiotics, which could lead to further microbial resistance or higher costs of treatment. This analysis of diagnostic parameters is often determined as standard of care in hospitalized patients and can help c… Show more

Help me understand this report

Search citation statements

Order By: Relevance

Paper Sections

Select...
3
1
1

Citation Types

1
4
0
1

Year Published

2021
2021
2024
2024

Publication Types

Select...
7

Relationship

0
7

Authors

Journals

citations
Cited by 8 publications
(6 citation statements)
references
References 25 publications
1
4
0
1
Order By: Relevance
“…A previous study compared clinical differences between 122 patients with superficial skin infection and 97 patients with herpes zoster infection. That study demonstrated that neutrophil counts were significantly lower in patients with herpes zoster infection than those with superficial skin infection (4.12 vs. 5.68 x10 9 /l; P<0.05) (13). Another study in adult patients with SLE reported that high glucocorticoid doses increased the risk of herpes zoster infection by 2% (P=0.03), whereas a study of children with SLE reported similar findings (14,15).…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 91%
“…A previous study compared clinical differences between 122 patients with superficial skin infection and 97 patients with herpes zoster infection. That study demonstrated that neutrophil counts were significantly lower in patients with herpes zoster infection than those with superficial skin infection (4.12 vs. 5.68 x10 9 /l; P<0.05) (13). Another study in adult patients with SLE reported that high glucocorticoid doses increased the risk of herpes zoster infection by 2% (P=0.03), whereas a study of children with SLE reported similar findings (14,15).…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 91%
“…Distinguishing herpes zoster skin rashes from bacterial epidermal and facial soft tissue infections can be challenging in clinical practice. Moreover, bacterial superinfection of herpes zoster may complicate diagnoses [ 61 ]. When the differential diagnosis is difficult, C-reactive protein and leukocyte counts should be determined, whereas parameters such as neutrophils or immature granulocytes do not add diagnostic value.…”
Section: Postherpetic Complicationsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…-CRP and white blood count are the best in vitro indications for skin and soft tissue infections as a differentiation from herpes zoster (CRP ≥ 2.05 mg/dl indicated erysipelas with a sensitivity of 80 % and a specificity of 83.8 %) [4,5].…”
Section: Erysipelasmentioning
confidence: 99%
“… –Initial fever, chills, and/or malaise occurring before or simultaneously with the erythema are practically always indicative of erysipelas (unpublished data). It is therefore essential to enquire about these symptoms specifically. –CRP and white blood count are the best in vitro indications for skin and soft tissue infections as a differentiation from herpes zoster (CRP ≥ 2.05 mg/dl indicated erysipelas with a sensitivity of 80 % and a specificity of 83.8 %) [4, 5]. –If trauma or surgery before occurrence of the erysipelas are reported, this may indicate phlegmon or type II necrotizing fasciitis according to Giuliani. –Differentiation from severe phlegmon: high fever, reduced general health, and lymph node swelling are indicative of severe phlegmon but may be absent in cases of initially limited phlegmon [6].…”
Section: Erysipelasmentioning
confidence: 99%