BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in cranial nerves and spinal root ganglia, in general triggered decades after the primary varicella infection. Its most common complication is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), characterized by chronic neuropathic pain and starting one to six months after the healing of HZ skin rashes. This study aimed at reporting a case of post-herpetic neuralgia in unusual anatomic area. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 55 years old, with diagnosis of HZ evolving to post-herpetic neuralgia. Patient complains of severe and persistent burning pain initially located throughout her left lower limb (LLL). At physical evaluation she presented LLL allodynia and hyperalgesia up to the root of the thigh. CONCLUSION: HZ usually involves face and chest dermatomes. However, one has to consider unusual anatomic areas to provide early diagnosis and treatment, thus preventing complications.
Herpes zoster; Post-herpetic neuralgia
