Atypical Case of Recurrent Herpes Zoster in an Immunocompetent Patient: Assessment, Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Herpes zoster is an infectious disease caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in the cranial or dorsal sensorial ganglia, characterized by a vesicular skin rash affecting one or more dermatomes. It is more common in the elderly, in association with the decline of the cell-mediated immunity in advanced age. In young adults, herpes zoster infection correlates more frequently with clinical conditions of low immunity. This paper reports a clinical case of herpes zoster with an atypical presentation, both with regard to the location and the high number of recurrences in a young immunocompetent female patient. The author discusses the case, based on the current scientific evidence, emphasizing the symptoms, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, impact on quality of life and management.