Postherpetic pruritus an underreported complication of herpes zoster infection: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Postherpetic pruritus (PHP) is a complication of herpes zoster infection that is not commonly reported. However, some chases describe severe disabling postherpetic pruritus. PHP may become unnoticed and thus inadequately managed. A 66-year-old woman complained of intense pruritus on the lower back and buttocks area one month after herpes zoster infection appeared at that location. Gabapentin 300 mg once a day was prescribed and the pruritus sensation was significantly reduced. Few studies report the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and standard treatment of PHP. It can happen alone or in combination with postherpetic neuralgia. The pathophysiology of PHP remains to be determined. Disability and injury may happen as a consequence of PHP. There are several treatments suggested for PHP but all are limited to case reports. PHP is an underreported complication of herpes zoster that must be taken seriously. Our case was an elderly woman diagnosed with PHP. She suffered moderate pruritus which disturbed intensely her quality of life and was improved significantly with gabapentin.   Key words   Postherpetic pruritus, complication, herpes zoster.