MULTIPLE ORO-FACIAL COMPLICATIONS OF HERPES ZOSTER INFECTION IN AN ELDERLY: A CASE REPORT.

INTRODUCTION

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a viral disease with a global health burden which significantly impacts on the quality of life. HZ is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus and its complications are dependent on multiple factors like immune suppression, psychological stress, malnutrition, co-morbidities, duration of HZ infection and old age. Some of the complications include secondary bacterial infection, post-herpetic neuralgia, scarring, nerve palsy, and viral encephalitis. These complications could present as single or rarely as multiple entities in an individual.

MATERIALS & METHODS: We present a case of HZ infection affecting the mandibular division of trigeminal nerve in a 78-year-old widow. The patient presented with multiple complications including hyper- pigmented scarring, post herpetic neuralgia and chronic non-suppurative osteomyelitis of the left mandible. This case report highlights the presentation of multiple complications from HZ infection especially among the elderly.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of HZ infection are highly essential for reduced risk of complications.