Herps Zoster

Background

Herpes Zoster

This condition is caused by a virus called herpes zoster virus. After an episode of chickenpox, the virus will remain inactive in the nerve cells. When the immune system becomes weak, the virus reactivates and causes the red rash in the same dermatome.

Symptoms and signs

- Reddening of skin with vesicles along one dermatome - Common in weak elders with poor immunity.

vesicles

As a first aider

Do’s

- Seek medical help for anti-viral medication as soon as possible - Over the counter medication like paracetamol may be able to relieve mild pain - After the acute episode has resolved, the affected area may be painful. Seek medical advice to relieve the neuropathic pain caused by the virus

- Avoid contact with the vesicles to prevent infection - Advise the patient not to rub the affected area and contact pregnant woman and young children

Don’ts

TOXICOLOGY

Drug Overdose

Background

Elderly is prone to drug poisoning with a number of risk factors. As elderly people are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes, they may need to take multiple medications prescribed for a long period of time. In the process of ageing, their abilities of metabolizing and eliminating drugs may decrease, which can increase the chance of developing side effects of medications. Polypharmacy, defined as the use of 5 or more prescription medications at the same time, is common amongst elderly in Hong Kong (42.5%) and increases the risks of adverse drug reactions and undesirable interactions between drugs. In addition, memory loss and dementia are also the risk factors for drug overdose in elderly.

Symptoms and signs

- Drowsiness, nausea and/or vomiting - Burning pain in the digestive tract - Odors on breath - Local irritation (e.g. skin, eyes) - specific toxidrome