RECURRENT HERPES ZOSTER

Abstract

A discussion of recurrent herpes zoster is undertaken particularly to place on record an uncommon type, and possibly thereby to present further information concerning the etiology. A review of the literature reveals a paucity of similar cases. Our general knowledge of zoster is so well established that a complete review of the topic seems unnecessary. Besides herpes zoster the names shingles, ignis sacer, zoster, zona, hemizona and acute posterior poliomyelitis are used. In a recent monograph, Levaditi¹draws a clear distinction between simple herpes, illustrated by the febrile herpetic eruption occurring on the lips in malaria, pneumonia and other infections, and zona exemplified by the typical well known unilateral chest eruption, preceded by pain for a couple of days, then showing clusters of vesicles, confined closely to a dorsal dermatome, and self limited to about fifteen days. These names distinguish the two related disorders and seem to be attractive