Disseminated herpes zoster in an immunocompetent elderly patient

Korean J Pain. 2013 Apr;26(2):195-8. doi: 10.3344/kjp.2013.26.2.195. Epub 2013 Apr 3.

Abstract

Herpes zoster is a cutaneous infection that is characterized by an acute vesicobullous rash with ipsilateral one or two dermatomal distribution and painful allodynia, while predominantly being found in the elderly. Extensive cutaneous dissemination has been reported in immune-compromised patients, such as those who suffer from HIV infections, cancer, chemotherapy, and corticosteroid therapy patients. However, we report a case of disseminated herpes zoster infection in an immuno-competent elderly individual.

Keywords: Ramsay Hunt syndrome; cell mediated immunity; disseminated herpes.