Onset of herpes zoster in relation to stressful periods of military service

Stress is a known predisposing factor for the development of herpes zoster. The purpose of this study was to describe the peculiar stressful circumstances of military service which may lead to physical ailments like herpes zoster. The study was conducted at Combined Military Hospitals, Hyderabad and Abbottabad from Oct 2003 to Sep 2004. Serving soldiers of all ranks who were clinically diagnosed to be suffering from herpes zoster during the above mentioned period were included in the study. They were interviewed in detail, in particular regarding physical or mental stress within a period of one month prior to the development of herpes zoster and examined thoroughly. All the findings were recorded on a pre-designed proforma. A separate proforma was filled for each patient. Out of 47 patients, 4 [8.51%] developed herpes zoster during the period which they perceived as stressful. 2 soldiers developed herpes zoster when they were undergoing rigorous imprisonment within the unit, 1 soldier developed the eruption during ration dumping to forward areas and the lesions of herpes zoster appeared in 1 when the patient was overworked and fatigued during the preparation for unit inspection. The eruption in all the 4 patients appeared during 2nd or 3rd week of the stressful period. Stressful periods, peculiar to military service, may lead to various mental as well as physical ailments like herpes zoster. However, the association of occurrence of herpes zoster in relation to stressful periods, peculiar to, military service needs further exploration and methodical studies are required for intervention to limit the incidence of herpes zoster