Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Plaquing of Herpes Simplex Viruses
Published on: November 5, 2021
Herpes zoster as a cause of atypical chronic ulcerations associated with tofacitinib
Claire Noell1, Robert Arbeit, Rima Kanhoush
1Department of Dermatology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
Abstract:
Tofacitinib is a targeted inhibitor of janus kinase (JAK), currently approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. We present a patient on treatment withtofacitinib who had an episode of classic dermatomal herpes zoster followed months later by atypical chronic cutaneous ulcers also caused by herpes zoster.
Insights
Tofacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, is used for rheumatoid arthritis. A patient experienced herpes zoster reactivation, initially as shingles and later as chronic skin ulcers, while on this medication.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tofacitinib is a targeted inhibitor of janus kinase (JAK).
- It is approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
- JAK inhibitors can increase the risk of infections, including herpes zoster.
Related Concept Videos
Antipsychotic Drugs: Typical and Atypical Agents
Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
Damaging agents such as Helicobacter pylori, gastric acid, pepsin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can weaken the mucosal defense, allowing hydrogen ions to infiltrate back and harm epithelial cells.
Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current...
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...

