Evaluation of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Patient with Herpes-Associated Erythema Multiforme: A Unique Case Report

Abstract

Introduction

Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute mucocutaneous hypersensitivity reaction with various etiological factors, including herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, known as herpes-associated erythema multiforme (HAEM). Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is a multidimensional concept of biopsychosocial aspects related to oral health. OHRQol contains information for patient-centered treatment plan development. The OHRQoL measurement instrument widely used by clinicians is the oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14). This case report aimed to evaluate OHRQoL in HAEM patient, which only manifests on the lips and oral cavity.

Case

A 25-year-old male patient came to the Department of Oral Medicine with the chief complaint of painful canker sores on the lips. Extra-oral examination revealed serosanguineous crusts on the lips that were painful and easily bleed. Intra-oral examination showed diffused and painful irregular erythematous lesions on the upper and lower labial mucosa. The anti-HSV1 IgG test was positive. The patient was diagnosed with HAEM.

Case Management

Pharmacological therapy included triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% in orabase, acyclovir tablets, multivitamins, and 0.9% NaCl. Non-pharmacological therapy included advice on maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding spicy and sour foods, and breaking the bad habit of licking the lips.

Conclusion

The patient’s physical, psychological, and social conditions showed improvement and returned to normal after 7 days of treatment. In conclusion, oral health is an important factor that can improve the quality of life of HAEM patient.

Keywords:

• herpes-associated erythema multiforme
• erythema multiforme
• herpes simplex virus type 1
• oral health-related quality of life
• oral health impact profile-14

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to express our sincere gratitude to the patient for granting his consent and to all those who kindly assisted us at the Universitas Padjadjaran Dental Hospital. The authors also gratefully acknowledge funding support from the directorate of research and community service at Universitas Padjadjaran.

Disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work.