The great variety of remedies which are available for use in the treatment of herpes zoster is an indication in itself of the limited value of these products. It is evident that none has antiviral activity. Surgical procedures as well as medicosurgical and physical-therapeutic measures are at times suggested for the control of the acute phase of the disease. I believe a more conservative approach to the problem is desirable and the radical methods should be exclusively reserved for the unduly disturbing Postherpetic symptoms. Even in such instances, they should be used only after other therapies have failed.
In a critical evaluation of such remedies, it is important to consider that many may induce toxic or at least undesirable reactions. These effects may occur because of the inherent nature of the agents, their mechanism of action, or multiple pharmacologic actions.
Since the drugs currently employed have therapeutic limitations in herpes