[Granuloma annulare after herpes zoster: Wolf's isotopic response].

BACKGROUND

The term Wolf's isotopic response has been used to describe the occurrence of a new skin disorder at the site of another, unrelated and already healed skin disease.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 74-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus and prostate carcinoma with osseous and lymphatic metastases developed a herpes zoster infection of the left shoulder after palliative radiation therapy of this area. After several months multiple lenticular erythematous papules and some plaques were seen at the previously infected location. The diagnosis granuloma annulare was confirmed by a punch biopsy.

CONCLUSION

This case report will increase clinical awareness and will thereby prevent the prescription of unnecessary repeated antiviral medication.