Shingles distribution true statement?

Shingles distribution true statement?

• A. Thoracic dermatomes unilateral distribution
• B. Bilateral symmetric rash
• C. Involvement of all dermatomes
• D. No rash

Answer: (A)

Herpes zoster arises from reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus in a sensory ganglion and classically produces a painful vesicular eruption that is restricted to a single dermatome on one side of the body. The trunk, especially the thoracic region, is a common site, giving a belt-like, unilateral distribution that does not cross the midline in typical cases. In contrast, a bilateral symmetric rash or involvement of all dermatomes would suggest a different process or disseminated disease, and having no rash would not fit shingles. So the true statement is that shingles shows thoracic dermatomes unilateral distribution.

Herpes zoster arises from reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus in a sensory ganglion and classically produces a painful vesicular eruption that is restricted to a single dermatome on one side of the body. The trunk, especially the thoracic region, is a common site, giving a belt-like, unilateral distribution that does not cross the midline in typical cases. In contrast, a bilateral symmetric rash or involvement of all dermatomes would suggest a different process or disseminated disease, and having no rash would not fit shingles. So the true statement is that shingles shows thoracic dermatomes unilateral distribution.