Recurrent herpes infection showing a new facial phenotype: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Facial herpes is a common form of the herpes simplex virus-1 infection and usually presents as vesicles near the mouth, nose, and periocular sites. In contrast, we observed a new facial symptom of herpes on the entire face without vesicles. CASE SUMMARY A 33-year-old woman with a history of varicella infection and shingles since an early age presented with sarcoidosis of the entire face and neuralgia without oral lesions. The patient was prescribed antiviral treatment with valacyclovir and acyclovir cream. One day after drug administration, facial skin lesions and neurological pain improved. Herpes simplex without oral blisters can easily be misdiagnosed as pimples upon visual examination in an outpatient clinic. CONCLUSION As acute herpes simplex is accompanied by neuralgia, prompt diagnosis and prescription are necessary, considering the pathological history and health conditions.