Herpes reactivation after the injection of hyaluronic acid dermal filler: A case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION: Hyaluronic acid injections is relatively safe with little risk of complications. Although herpes reactivation after the injection of hyaluronic acid is rare, it produces quite a huge pressure and panic on patients. Quite a lot cosmetic practitioners have no awareness of preventing, diagnosing, and giving correct treatment in time due to lack of experience. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 24-year-old woman presented with erythema, crusted papules, pain and swelling on the nose after receiving the injection of hyaluronic acid. A swab of the discharge fluid was obtained for bacterial and viral culture, showing positive for herpes simplex virus. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed as herpes reactivation after the injection of hyaluronic acid. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent antiviral therapy with acyclovir 400 mg, 3 times daily for seven days. OUTCOMES: After a week of antiviral treatment, the clinical signs improved. CONCLUSION: Herpes reactivation after the injection of hyaluronic acid is quite rare but needed sufficient attention of cosmetic practitioners to make the proper diagnosis, prevention and treatment.