RECALCITRANT HERPETIC GENITAL ULCERS TREATED WITH IMIQUIMOD IN ASSOCIATION WITH VALACYCLOVIR

  • Diogo Matos Interno do Internato Complementar de Dermatologia e Venereologia/Resident, Dermatology and Venereology, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal
  • João Alves Interno do Internato Complementar de Dermatologia e Venereologia/Resident, Dermatology and Venereology, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal
  • Ana Marta António Interna do Internato Complementar de Dermatologia e Venereologia/Resident, Dermatology and Venereology, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal
  • Ricardo Coelho Assistente Hospitalar de Dermatologia e Venereologia/Consultant, Dermatology and Venereology, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal
  • Elvira Bártolo Chefe de Serviço de Dermatologia e Venereologia, Directora do Serviço de Dermatologia e Venereologia/ Chief and Head of Dermatology and Venereology Department, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal
Keywords: Imiquimod, Herpes genitalis, Herpes simplex, Ulcer, Valaciclovir

Abstract

The herpes simplex virus is a common cause of genital ulcers. In the immunocompromised, it may have an atypical presentation, with exuberant lesions, frequently resulting in resistance to the mainstream therapeutic options, and a consequent prolonged course.

A 25-year-old male with a previous history of common variable immunodeficiency, presented with herpetic extensive genital ulcerations on the inguinoscrotal region. Despite a long period of valacyclovir therapy, the patient remained symptomatic. We decided to add topical 5% imiquimod as an adjunctive therapy, and observed a completed resolution of the ulcerations.

Imiquimod, working as a local immunomodulator, stimulates the anti-viral immunologic response. Therefore, it is an alternative in recalcitrant herpetic lesions, especially in the setting of immunosuppression.

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Published
2015-04-13
How to Cite
Matos, D., Alves, J., António, A. M., Coelho, R., & Bártolo, E. (2015). RECALCITRANT HERPETIC GENITAL ULCERS TREATED WITH IMIQUIMOD IN ASSOCIATION WITH VALACYCLOVIR. Journal of the Portuguese Society of Dermatology and Venereology, 72(4), 535-539. https://doi.org/10.29021/spdv.72.4.323
Section
Grupo para o Estudo e Investigação das Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis (GEIDS