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Case Reports
. 2024 Oct 24;16(10):e72290.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.72290. eCollection 2024 Oct.

Genital Herpes Zoster: A Report of a Rare Case

Sofia Kalantzi  1 , Chalent Alexakis  1 , Maria Emmanouela Anagnostaki  2 , Ismini Anagnostaki  1 , Konstantinos Zacharis  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Genital Herpes Zoster: A Report of a Rare Case

Sofia Kalantzi et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Herpes zoster (HZ), caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), typically presents as a unilateral vesicular rash in a dermatomal pattern. Its occurrence in the genital area is rare and often misdiagnosed. We report the case of a 51-year-old woman who presented with sudden vulvar pain and burning, without a history of immunodeficiency or sexually transmitted infections. Examination revealed unilateral vesicular lesions on the left labium majus, perianal area, medial thigh, and gluteal region along the second sacral (S2) and third sacral (S3) dermatomes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed VZV and ruled out herpes simplex virus (HSV). The patient was treated with brivudine, mupirocin, and analgesics, resulting in a complete resolution of symptoms. This case highlights the need to consider HZ in the differential diagnosis of genital lesions. Early recognition and treatment of atypical presentations can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: genital herpes zoster; genital lesions; varicella-zoster virus; vesicular rash; viral reactivation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Vesicular lesions on the vulva, perianal, and thigh surfaces. The arrows point to the sites of the lesions: a) perivulvar, b) perianal, and c) gluteal
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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