J Drugs Dermatol
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Varicella-zoster virus is the causal agent of varicella and herpes zoster in humans. Herpes zoster results from reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV) within the sensory ganglia. The incidence and severity of herpes zoster increase with advancing age. ⋯ A live attenuated VZV vaccine has been developed and recently approved by the FDA for the prevention of herpes zoster in individuals 60 years of age and older. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 38,546 patients 60 years of age or older, the use of the zoster vaccine reduced the burden of illness due to herpes zoster by 61.1% (P < .001), reduced the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia by 66.5% (P < .001), and reduced the incidence of herpes zoster by 51.3% (P < .001). In this review, we will discuss the history of the use of the varicella vaccine in children, and the subsequent development of the new zoster vaccine.
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Oral isotretinoin is an established effective therapy for acne. No published data is available on the efficacy and side effects of this drug in Iranian patients. ⋯ Isotretinoin is an effective and safe treatment for acne in Iranian patients. Starting treatment with a high dose and modifying the length of treatment based on the therapeutic response in each patient, might lead to a rapid and good response rate with minimal side effects.