Post-Herpetic Erythema Multiforme Prevented with Prophylactic Oral Acyclovir

  1. JON A. GREEN, M.D., Ph.D.;
  2. SPOTSWOOD L. SPRUANCE, M.D.;
  3. GAY WENERSTROM, R.N.; and
  4. MICHAEL W. PIEPKORN, M.D., Ph.D.
  1. University of Utah School of Medicine;
    Salt Lake City, Utah.

    Excerpt

    Recurrent herpes simplex virus infection predisposes to the development of erythema multiforme in some persons (1) and can lead to a pattern of recurrent erythema multiforme and disabling morbidity. Recent reports of the safety and efficacy of oral acyclovir for the prophylaxis of recurrent herpes virus infections (2-4) suggest a similar application for the prevention of herpes virusrelated erythema multiforme.

    A 26-year-old white man, a professional housepainter, had recurrent labial herpes virus infections for 12 years with a stable pattern of three to five episodes a year. At age 24 he began having accelerated recurrences at monthly or bimonthly intervals.

    This 100-word excerpt has been provided in the absence of an abstract.

    Acknowledgments

    ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Oral acyclovir (Zovirax) was provided by the Burroughs-Wellcome Company, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

    Article and Author Information

    • ▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Jon A. Green, M.D., Ph.D.; Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Utah Medical Center, 50 North Medical Drive; Salt Lake City, UT 84132.

    « Previous | Next Article »Table of Contents