J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg.  2007 Jun;33(3):268-272.

Herpes zoster with oral lesion: Case report and review of current literature

• Kim KY
• Kim JS
• Kim HW
• Hong SM
• Park JW

Abstract

Herpes zoster is caused when the varicella zoster virus(VZV) that has remained latent since an earlier varicella infection is reactivated with cutaneous and mucous manifestations. They occur in 20% cases in the trigeminal area and typical manifestations are neuralgias simulating dental pain, also vesicles with an erythematous halo located in the territory of the second and third trigemial branch. They erupt on the skin, the lips, tongue, palate and cheeks. With an ever-increasing number of elderly and immunocompromised patients attending the dentist, the dental profession can expect to encounter an increased number of herpes zoster patients. Furthermore, the oral and maxillofacial surgeons must be familiar with the presenting signs and symptoms of patients experiencing the prodromal manifestations and oral complication of herpes zoster of the trigeminal nerve. As presentation of our patient with ulcer on hard palate caused by herpes zoster, current treatment of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia are discussed.

Keyword

Herpes zoster; Trigeminal nerve; Postherpetic Neuralgia

MeSH Terms

Aged
Cheek
Chickenpox
Dentists
Herpes Zoster*
Humans
Immunocompromised Host
Lip
Neuralgia
Neuralgia, Postherpetic
Palate
Palate, Hard
Skin
Tongue
Trigeminal Nerve
Ulcer