Which symptom is most characteristic of herpes zoster?

Which symptom is most characteristic of herpes zoster?

• A. Cough and wheeze
• B. Vomiting and diarrhea
• C. Joint swelling
• D. Pain and itching

Answer: (D)

Herpes zoster presents with neuropathic pain in a dermatomal pattern. The most characteristic symptom is this pain, often described as burning or stabbing, which may be accompanied by itching as the rash develops. The painful nerve involvement is the hallmark, and while a vesicular rash along the same dermatome soon appears, the defining feature to recognize is the intense, localized pain (with itching). Other listed symptoms—cough and wheeze, vomiting and diarrhea, or joint swelling—do not reflect the nerve-related nature of shingles.

Herpes zoster presents with neuropathic pain in a dermatomal pattern. The most characteristic symptom is this pain, often described as burning or stabbing, which may be accompanied by itching as the rash develops. The painful nerve involvement is the hallmark, and while a vesicular rash along the same dermatome soon appears, the defining feature to recognize is the intense, localized pain (with itching). Other listed symptoms—cough and wheeze, vomiting and diarrhea, or joint swelling—do not reflect the nerve-related nature of shingles.