Zoster of the 2nd and 3rd trigeminal branch

Last Updated: 2023-07-07

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: -

  • Herpes simplex

Zoster, shingles, chickepox, varicella

Herpes zoster occurs when the dormant varicella virus (after a primary chickenpox infection) is reactivated. The virus then travels from the ganglia to the area that is innervated by the 2nd and 3rd trigeminal branches.

Image of herpes zoster in the cheeks, oral mucosa and tongue. Enorally, the efflorescences may also appear aphthoid or erosive.

Most often the diagnosis can be made clinically. In doubt, a viral swab and PCR can confirm the initial clinical suspicion.

Gingivitis, involvement of the ears which may cause vertigo and alteration of auditory function.

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