Herpes simplex and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) can have similar clinical presentations due to overlapping lesional morphology. We describe the unusual case of a BCC masquerading as herpes labialis due to a possible false-positive Tzanck smear. The confounding diagnosis led to a failed trial of valacyclovir and subsequent loss of the patient for 1 year before the lesion was biopsied and diagnosed...

Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is a rare, severe complication of varicella-zoster virus reactivation in the geniculate ganglion, characterized by hearing loss, pain, and vesicles in the ear or mouth along with ipsilateral facial palsy. Although it is rare, it is more commonly found with immunodeficiency conditions. We report a case of a 35-year-old human immunodeficiency virus positive male, having...

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections are frequent in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infected patients. In those cases, genital herpes may have an atypical clinical presentation. Hypertrophic and vegetating variants are unusual. The authors describe a case of hypertrophic perianal herpes in an HIV patient with unsatisfactory response to acyclovir and valacyclovir, successfully trea...

Recurrent benign lymphocytic meningitis is a recurring, typically innocuous, painful form of aseptic meningitis. This syndrome is associated with transient neurological symptoms in one-half of afflicted patients. The causative agent is usually herpes simplex virus type 2, which can be confirmed by detection of viral DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid using polymerase chain reaction. Clinical diseas...

Ophthalmic herpes simplex viral keratitis is responsible for a range of ocular manifestations from superficial epithelial disease to stromal keratitis and endotheliitis. The Herpetic Eye Disease Study has guided the management of herpetic eye disease for almost twenty years, but newer medications such as valacyclovir are now available and are considered to have better bioavailability than acycl...

Herpes zoster, the latent descendent of the varicella zoster virus, commonly is seen in clinical practice. Healthcare providers must recognize and treat the virus to decrease the incidence of postherpetic neuralgic pain syndrome. Treatment with an antiviral medication regimen should be initiated rapidly for patients who have had lesions for up to 72 hours. Acyclovir has been the treatment of ch...

Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) types 1 and 2 cause infections manifesting as dermatologic, immunologic, and neurologic disorders. Some of the most important manifestations and complications of HSV infection are considered here in a neuroanatomic context. This discussion should aid in understanding the pathogenesis and, in some cases, diagnosis and management of associated HSV-related diseases. Th...

Abstract Background Patients with IBD receive a variety of medications that modulate the immune response. However, many render patients more susceptible to opportunistic infections. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection, in particular, has been well reported patients, mostly CD. Chickenpox results from primary VZV and is predominantly seen pediatric population. Primary prevention via vaccinati...