Pediatric herpes simplex masquerading as varicella-zoster

Abstract

A three-year-old girl developed a generalized cutaneous Herpes simplex infection and a dendritic corneal ulcer. The clinical appearance of the lesions led to the diagnosis of varicella by a pediatrician and of Herpes zoster corneal ulcer by an ophthalmologist, who prescribed topical adrenocorticosteroids. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and cultures were positive for the Herpes simplex virus. Topical antiviral treatment was applied, and the lesions healed without significant sequelae.