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Herpes zoster following cryosurgery
1Department of Dermatology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia. mick155@bigpond.net.au
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|January 27, 2005
Summary
Cryosurgery for solar keratoses can trigger herpes zoster reactivation in older adults. This case highlights cryosurgery as a potential trauma-induced risk factor for shingles, requiring prompt antiviral treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Virology
Background:
- Herpes zoster (shingles) reactivation is associated with age and immunosuppression.
- Trauma is a potential, though less common, risk factor for herpes zoster.
- Solar keratoses are common pre-cancerous skin lesions often treated with cryosurgery.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old male presented with a painful, blistering rash on his right forehead.
- The onset of the rash followed cryosurgery treatment for multiple solar keratoses.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with reactivation of herpes zoster infection.
- Treatment with oral acyclovir resulted in complete healing of the lesions within two weeks.
Implications:
- This case suggests that cryosurgery may act as a localized trauma, precipitating herpes zoster reactivation.
- Clinicians should consider herpes zoster as a potential complication following cryosurgery, especially in at-risk individuals.
- Further investigation into iatrogenic triggers for herpes zoster is warranted.