HERPES-LIKE LESIONS IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19: REPORT OF FOUR CASES AND TREATMENT APPROACH

This study aims to present 4 additional cases of oral lesions in patients with severe COVID-19. The patients were admitted to the hospital after diagnosis based on polymerase chain reaction tests. Three patients were male and 1 patient was female, and all patients had at least 2 comorbidities (patient age range, 57-73 years). All patients had severe diseases and were under mechanical ventilation. Oral manifestations were identified during hospitalization and diagnosed as herpes-like lesions in the lips and oral mucosa. The patients were immediately started on intravenous acyclovir or topical penciclovir. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (methylene blue 0.01%, low-laser 4 J, 10 0mW, 660 nm) was performed as an adjuvant. Oral hygiene was also maintained daily. Rapid recovery was observed in 3 cases. Thus, we highlight the importance of including dentists in the intensive care unit multiprofessional team to improve oral health, reduce coinfections, and contribute to evidence-based in critical patients with COVID-19.