Exuberant recurrent herpes labialis in immunocompromised patient – case report

Introduction: 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.