Necrosis of nose skin after varicella zoster infection: A case report

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the causal agent of varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). Primary VZV infection is a common childhood disease, but elderly patients and those having a compromised immune system are also at risk. We present the case of progressive necrosis of the nose skin in a patient with a compromised immune system and a generalised VZV infection. During the course of his hospital stay and follow-up, the lesion gradually improved with conservative treatment. © 2009 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.