A severe presentation of ulcers throughout the limbs

Abstract

Skin swabs revealed herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 infection. Despite treatment with aciclovir, large ulcers on each medial thigh continued to progress, requiring surgical debridement and split-thickness skin autografting. Our case highlights the potential need for skin autografts in managing atypical, nonhealing herpetic ulcers despite maximum medical intervention and the importance of testing for HSV in skin ulceration.