Recurrent Stevens-Johnson syndrome secondary to herpes simplex: a follow up on a successful management program

Herpes Simplex virus has been implicated as a cause of sporadic and recurrent erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Acyclovir has been used with success rates of 55% in treating these episodes. We have previously described and reported a successful management protocol for prevention of recurrent Stevens-Johnson syndrome due to herpes simplex virus reactivation in a 36-year-old white male. Four years later we describe the outcome of initiating this management protocol in the same patient for 17 episodes of recurrent herpes simplex virus stomatitis. Continuous low dose acyclovir with the prompt institution of a regimen of prednisone and higher dose acyclovir successfully prevented the prolonged duration of recurrent herpes simplex virus stomatitis and progression to Stevens-Johnson syndrome.