Isotopic Responses Following Herpes Zoster.

BACKGROUND

Herpes zoster (HZ) typically resolves without sequelae, but rare chronic dermatologic complications can develop at the site of prior infection, termed an isotopic response. This phenomenon involves the emergence of a new, unrelated skin disease in the area previously affected by HZ.

OBJECTIVE

To describe 2 cases of autoimmune skin conditions, discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and bullous pemphigoid (BP), emerging as isotopic responses following HZ infection, and to discuss possible pathophysiologic mechanisms.

CASES

Two patients with a history of HZ presented with persistent or recurrent cutaneous lesions localized to the previously affected dermatomes. Clinical evaluation, histopathology, immunologic testing, and PCR were performed to exclude viral persistence and con-firm autoimmune etiology.Case 1: A 51-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developed chronic plaques in a dermatomal distribution six months after HZ. Histology confirmed DLE. Restarting systemic immunosuppression and topical corticosteroids led to clinical improve-ment.Case 2: A 65-year-old woman developed a chronic blistering eruption two years after HZ in the same location. Biopsy and immunofluo-rescence confirmed BP. She responded well to localized high-potency corticosteroid therapy.

CONCLUSION

These cases underscore the diagnostic importance of recognizing Wolf's isotopic response, in which autoimmune skin conditions may manifest at sites of prior HZ. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for autoimmune etiologies in persis-tent post-HZ eruptions, especially in patients with underlying autoimmune diseases.