Evaluation of the Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients Diagnosed with Herpes Zoster

Abstract

Background: Herpes zoster is a disease that is more frequently seen in people aged over 50 years and negatively affects the quality of life due to the development of post-herpetic neuralgia. This study aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with herpes zoster. 
 Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the data of patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of herpes zoster at the dermatology department between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively examined.
 Results: Of 440 patients, 252 (57.3%) were female and 188 (42.7%) were male. The mean age was 48.9±18 (4-94) years. The most common localization was the thoracic region at a rate of 35.5% and the lumbar region at a rate of 21.4%. Disseminated and ophthalmic zoster were more common in elderly patients (p