Herpes zoster ophthalmicus following platelet-rich plasma therapy for androgenetic alopecia.

Abstract

A man in his 60s developed herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) with secondary preseptal cellulitis after receiving platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for androgenetic alopecia. Despite initial treatment for suspected allergic reaction and bacterial cellulitis, his condition worsened until HZO was confirmed, and he was treated with both intravenous antivirals and antibiotics. This is the second reported case of HZO following PRP in the literature, suggesting a rare potential adverse reaction. The temporal and anatomical association strongly implicates PRP as a trigger, possibly due to immune modulation or contamination. Standardised PRP protocols and administration by trained medical professionals are crucial to mitigate risks.