A Case Report of Herpes Zoster After Botulinum Toxin Injections

Abstract

This case report presents a rare occurrence of herpes zoster (HZ) outbreak in a 50-year-old male following botulinum toxin (BTX) type A injections. The patient developed burning swollen lesions on the left forehead four days after receiving BTX injections. Physical examination revealed papules and erosions in a dermatomal distribution. He was diagnosed with HZ and promptly treated with oral acyclovir. The lesions resolved within two weeks without complications. Previous literature reports a few similar HZ outbreaks following aesthetic treatments with BTX injections. The exact mechanism triggering varicella reactivation in these cases remains unclear. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of HZ are crucial in order to minimize outbreak duration and reduce complications. Physicians should maintain awareness of HZ as a potential complication following BTX injections.

Keywords:

• botulinum toxin
• complications
• herpes zoster
• shingles

Abbreviations

HZ, herpes zoster; BTX, botulinum toxin.

Ethical Approval and Informed Consent

The patient provided written informed consent for the publication of this case report and accompanying image. IRB approval was not required for the publication of this case report.

Disclosure

The author reports no conflicts of interest in this case report.

Additional information

Funding

There was no funding received for this case report.