Relations of Age, Sex, Distribution and Associated Diseases with Herpes zoster

Between 1992 and 1995, 57 cases of herpes zoster were investigated according to sex, age, predilection of site, seasonal variation and complications or associated diseases. In sex and age distribution, males were more than females, and the patients were commonly affected after the age of 40. No seasonal variations were observed. Complications noted in 8 cases were herpes zoster ophtalmicus in 3 patients, Ramsay Hunt's syndrome in 2 patients, and postherpetic neuralgia in 3 patients. Underlying malignancy was seen in one patient. The most common site of lesions was the thoracal dermatomes. Predilection of left side to right side were equal, but the lesions were commonly sited on left side in females and right side in males. This finding may be due to perinatal testosterone that would suppress the left brain and thymus gland. [Journal of Turgut Özal Medical Center 1997;4(1):29-32]