ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This article describes an atypical herpes zoster (HZ) infection heralded by prodromic dental pain. BACKGROUND: Trigeminal HZ is associated with any of the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve, and Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a rare variant of HZ infection of the ear, often accompanied with unilateral facial nerve palsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An 87-year-old man sought remedy for tooth-like pain. Within a week, he developed cutaneous, intraoral and otic eruptions, hearing loss, and mild facial palsy. RESULTS: After ruling out odontogenic pain, he was diagnosed with trigeminal HZ and Ramsay Hunt syndrome. CONCLUSION: Herpes zoster infection should be included as a possible aetiologic factor with atypical presentations of odontogenic pain. Diagnosis of trigeminal HZ infection and the Ramsay Hunt syndrome may lead to timely intervention with antivirals and improved patient outcomes.
Subject(s)
Herpes Zoster Oticus/complications , Herpes Zoster Oticus/diagnosis , Herpes Zoster/complications , Herpes Zoster/diagnosis , Toothache/etiology , Trigeminal Nerve/virology , Aged, 80 and over , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Herpes Zoster/drug therapy , Herpes Zoster Oticus/drug therapy , Humans , Male , Valacyclovir/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Injudicious use of over-the-counter 3% hydrogen peroxide, a relatively potent oxidative agent, can result in a chemical burn to the oral mucosa. This article describes a patient who rinsed with 3% hydrogen peroxide for periods of more than two minutes as a self-prescribed remedy for oral discomfort following seafood ingestion. Subsequently, the patient experienced pain and extensive chemical burns of the sublingual and buccal mucosa and gingiva. In addition, the buccal mucosa underwent necrosis. Prolonged oral mucosal contact with 3% hydrogen peroxide is ill-advised.
