Epidemiology of herpes zoster at a tertiary care centre in Eastern India.

Herpes zoster infection is characterized by dermatomal distribution of painful vesicles occurring due to reactivation of the latent varicella-zoster virus and poses the risk of serious complications. Therefore, it is of interest to investigate the epidemiology, clinical presentation and outcomes of patients diagnosed with herpes zoster in a tertiary care centre in Eastern India. From June 2023 to December 2024, a series of herpes zoster patients consulting the Dermatology Outpatient Department at Burdwan Medical College and Hospital participated in this cross-sectional study. Detailed history, clinical examination, Tzanck smear, hemogram, fasting plasma glucose and HIV screening were conducted. The significance of early diagnosis, prompt antiviral therapy and appropriate pain management in reducing complications such as postherpetic neuralgia and secondary infections is shown in this study.