Five cases of atypical herpes zoster

Herpes zoster is characterized by multiple groups of vesicles on an erythematous base located within the distribution of a single spinal or cranial sensory ganglion. Classically, herpes zoster occurs in elderly patients, distributed unilaterally within one dermatomal area. The response to antiviral treatment is usually good, with rare recurrence. Herein we report 5 cases of atypical herpes zoster, which showed non-ordinary clinical features of the onset age, location and distribution, clinical course and treatment response. Moreover, since herpes zoster is a viral disorder in dermatologic clinics, different treatment protocols according to various underlying conditions are crucial. Therefore, we reviewed pertinent remedies under such uncommon circumstances. (Korean J Dermatol 2009;47(7): 803-810).