Case of atypical disseminated herpes zoster in a patient with COVID‐19: A diagnostic challenge in COVID era

ABSTRACT

Herpes Zoster caused by reactivation of latent Varicella–Zoster virus (VZV). The rare disseminated form of it occurred mainly in immunocompromised patients. We hereby present the first case of atypical disseminated herpes zoster in a 54‐year‐old woman admitted with serious COVID. In this case, disseminated herpes zoster developed by purpuric lesions mimicking vasculitis and cutaneous drug reaction. Hence, this case serves as a reminder for considering atypical presentations of cutaneous disorders in immunocompromised patients, especially those affected with severe COVID. We presented the first case of atypical disseminated herpes zoster (HZ) in a case of serious COVID. The risk of dissemination and atypical presentation of HZ might be increased in serious COVID with long‐term hospitalization and/or ICU admission.