MULTIPLE ORO-FACIAL COMPLICATIONS OF HERPES ZOSTER INFECTION IN AN ELDERLY: A CASE REPORT.

Introduction: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a viral disease with a global health burden which significantly impacts on the quality of life. HZ is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus and its complications are dependent on multiple factors like immune suppression, psychological stress, malnutrition, co-morbidities, duration of HZ infection and old age. Some of the complications include secondary bacterial infection, post-herpetic neuralgia, scarring, nerve palsy, and viral encephalitis. These complications could present as single or rarely as multiple entities in an individual.

Materials & methods: We present a case of HZ infection affecting the mandibular division of trigeminal nerve in a 78-year-old widow. The patient presented with multiple complications including hyper- pigmented scarring, post herpetic neuralgia and chronic non-suppurative osteomyelitis of the left mandible. This case report highlights the presentation of multiple complications from HZ infection especially among the elderly.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of HZ infection are highly essential for reduced risk of complications.