A Case of Herpes Zoster in an Immunocompetent 19-year-old Female

Authors

Martin Nguyen, West Virginia School of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Jennifer Read, West Virginia School of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Emma Filary, West Virginia School of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Aaron McGuffin, West Virginia University School of Osteopathic MedicineFollow

Author Credentials

Martin Nguyen, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Jennifer Read, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Emma Filary, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Aaron McGuffin, Associate Professor, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Author ORCID Identifier

0009-0007-5433-7142

Keywords

herpes zoster; shingles; postherpetic neuralgia; immunocompetent; varicella; corticosteroids

Disciplines

Anesthesiology | Dermatology | Internal Medicine | Pediatrics

Abstract

This case report describes the unusual presentation of herpes zoster in a fully vaccinated teenage patient and highlights management considerations. The patient is a 19-year-old female who presented with pain in her left lower back, side, and upper thigh for approximately 3 days, which was then followed by the eruption of a vesicular rash along the L2 dermatome consistent with herpes zoster. Herpes zoster is predominantly observed only in elderly and immunocompromised individuals, primarily due to the widespread use of the varicella-zoster virus vaccine for children since 1995, when it became part of the routine immunization schedule. However, this case serves as a noteworthy reminder for clinicians that herpes zoster should still be considered in immunocompetent and fully vaccinated younger patients.

Recommended Citation

Nguyen M, Read J, Filary E, McGuffin A. A Case of Herpes Zoster in an Immunocompetent 19-year-old Female. Marshall J Med. 2024; 10(3) DOI: https://doi.org/10.33470/2379-9536.1442.