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How do you manage an acute herpes zoster infection (shingles) in a radiation therapy treatment field where the skin is getting a significant dose of RT?

Do you give a treatment break? Is so, how long should RT be held? Are there skin management techniques to use?
1 Answer
Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Radiation Oncology · University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Answered on

Physician's awareness is crucial in Zoster infection. Systematic acyclovir and local Zovirax is usually very effective if caught early. A break in therapy is more detrimental than treating over the zoster. Perhaps one or two days break to stabilize zoster therapy at the most. Routine skin care along...

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