A lmost all cases of herpes zoster I have seen present no h/o suffering from chicken pox. How important is it to do HIV test in case of herpes zoster?

Can we omit acyclovir tablets as poor patients find it difficult to afford? If herpes zoster vesicles are seen over left shoulder & neck up to mastoid region, are there any chances of spreading it to left ear leading to herpes zoster oticus?