Exuberant recurrent herpes labialis in immunocompromised patient – case report

Resumo

Herpes simplex labialis occurs by reactivation of
herpes simplex virus type I, but infection with the virus type II can
also lead to disease. Several factors, including exposure to intense
sunlight, psychological stress or immunosuppression may trigger a
recurrence. Objective: The purpose of this article is to report a case
of herpes simplex labialis in an immunosuppressed patient. Case
report: Male patient, 40 years of age, was admitted to the Hospital
Oswaldo Cruz (Curitiba/PR) for presenting with dry cough and chest
pain accompanied by fever, sweating and weight loss. The patient is
a smoker, HIV positive and presented a case of pneumocystosis. The
intraoral examination revealed a smooth tongue and erythematous
candidiasis. Vesicular and crusted lesions were observed on the
skin around the lips and vermilion. Considering these findings,
diagnosis of recurrent herpes labialis was established. The patient
was treated with acyclovir for 12 days when there was regression of
the lesions. Conclusion: The dentist needs to be aware of cases of
exacerbated recurrent herpes labialis that can be a strong indication
of HIV infection/AIDS.