Herpes simplex virus (HSV) occasionally can mimic varicella zoster virus. Termed zosteriform herpes simplex, it is difficult to differentiate clinically from ophthalmic zoster.1,2 A differential diagnosis is especially important when accompanying ocular symptoms are present because incorrect treatment may aggravate the disease.1 We report a case of recurrent zosteriform herpes simplex in which DNA specific for HSV was detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method from the tears of a patient with herpetic conjunctivitis who had ophthalmic zoster diagnosed by a dermatologist.
Report of a Case.
A 22-year-old woman with the diagnosis of ophthalmic zoster was referred to our clinic. The patient complained of a foreign-body sensation in her left eye. She had a history of atopic dermatitis, but she denied a history of HSV and ophthalmic zoster. She had not had any pain or other neurosensory problems before the advent of the eruptions. The vesicles were