A 63-year-old immunocompetent man has 24 hours of burning pain and grouped vesicles in a left T8 dermatomal distribution. He has no ocular

Question

A 63-year-old immunocompetent man has 24 hours of burning pain and grouped vesicles in a left T8 dermatomal distribution. He has no ocular involvement and kidney function is normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Start oral antiviral therapy

Answer

Topical antibiotic ointment as definitive therapy

Answer

Immediate skin biopsy before treatment

Answer

Begin long-term systemic corticosteroids as monotherapy

Answer

Reassurance without pain control

Herpes zoster — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

A 63-year-old immunocompetent man has 24 hours of burning pain and grouped vesicles in a left T8 dermatomal distribution. He has no ocular involvement and kidney function is normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?