Herpes Zoster is likely to attack during exchange of season and great daily change of temperature. Particularly, the decline in elderly’s immunity increases the risk of herpes zoster attack and level of severity. Even young and middle-aged people, are commonly attacked by herpes zoster if they stay up late, are under pressure and fatigue over the long run.

According to the data released from Taiwan National Health Insurance Database, the rate of chronic renal patients suffering from herpes zoster is 1.6 times higher than the general population, which is even 1.9 times higher for long-term hemodialysis patients. The medicinal mentabolism caused by renal failure cause these medicines to likely accumulate in the body, thereby resulting in unconsciousness and coma.  

Symptoms

1. The long strip of blister and rash on one side shaping like a snake; commonly known as shingles.
2. The patients are likely attacked on the two sides of waist, front chest, and back with pain and burning sensation. Even after the wounds have recovered, the patients could experience postherpetic neuralgia.

Important Reminder

1. Patients of chronic renal failure and hemodialysis will have slow metabolism for the medicine for treating herpes zoster. Please be very careful with the medication .Patients may experience consciousness disturbance.
2. In case of herpes zoster (shingles), please notify the nurse and doctor at Division of Nephrology immediately. Follow the doctor prescription for adjustment and treatment on the medicinal dosage of drugs for treating herpes zoster.
3. Dialysis patients without herpes zoster are recommended be to vaccinated for herpes zoster at own expense.