Herpes zoster induced alveolar necrosis in an immunocompetent patient

Herpes group of viruses give rise to vivid manifestations in the human body. Herpes zoster infection and reactivation results in characteristic vesiculo-bullous-ulcerative lesions of the face and the oral cavity. Herpes zoster induced alveolar bone necrosis is a rare manifestation and very few cases reports are available in the literature. Patient: A 60-year-old male patient presented with a complaint of an ulcer over the lower lip since a month. Based on the clinical features, a diagnosis of herpes zoster of mandibular division of right trigeminal nerve inducing alveolar necrosis with spontaneous exfoliation of teeth was proposed. Herpes zoster infection is a rather common viral infection. The manifestations of this infection can range from subtle to extensive lesions such as alveolar bone necrosis and exfoliation of teeth. When such widespread expression of the infection is noted the clinician should investigate to determine an underlying immunocompromised status.