Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

What is an appropriate intervention for managing herpes zoster pain?

1. Topical capsaicin cream

2. Cold water compress

3. Calamine lotion and anti-viral medications

4. Oral antibiotics

The correct answer is: Calamine lotion and anti-viral medications

Managing herpes zoster pain effectively often involves a multifaceted approach, and the use of calamine lotion in combination with antiviral medications provides significant relief. Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, are crucial in treating herpes zoster (shingles) because they can reduce the duration and severity of the outbreak. By attacking the virus directly, these medications help to mitigate the painful symptoms associated with it. Calamine lotion offers soothing relief for the rash and can reduce itchiness, providing comfort to the patient. This combination is particularly effective as it addresses both the underlying viral infection and the symptomatic relief of the pain and discomfort experienced by individuals with herpes zoster. Other options present different types of interventions that may not be as effective. While topical capsaicin cream can be helpful for neuropathic pain in other contexts, it's less commonly used as a primary treatment for herpes zoster pain. Cold water compresses and calamine lotion might relieve some discomfort but do not address the viral cause of the pain. Oral antibiotics are not indicated in this case since herpes zoster is caused by a viral infection, not a bacterial one. Thus, the combination of calamine lotion and antiviral medications stands out as the most appropriate and comprehensive intervention for managing herpes z