A 71-year-old man presents with a painful vesicular rash in a right thoracic dermatomal pattern that began yesterday. He is not immunosuppressed and

Question

A 71-year-old man presents with a painful vesicular rash in a right thoracic dermatomal pattern that began yesterday. He is not immunosuppressed and has no eye involvement. He asks whether an antiviral is worthwhile. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

refer for antiviral treatment because he is over 50 years and within 72 hours of rash onset

Answer

sell topical aciclovir for application to the dermatome

Answer

advise waiting until vesicles crust before seeking treatment

Answer

advise calamine lotion alone because antivirals mainly help children

Answer

recommend oral antibiotics because the rash is bacterial

Shingles antiviral timing — GPhC CRA MCQ

A 71-year-old man presents with a painful vesicular rash in a right thoracic dermatomal pattern that began yesterday. He is not immunosuppressed and has no eye involvement. He asks whether an antiviral is worthwhile. What is the most appropriate action?