EXTENSIVE HERPES SIMPLEX LESIONS HIDDEN BY PSEUDOMEMBRANOUS CANDIDIASIS

Abstract

Herpes virus and Candida spp. are opportunistic microorganisms, common in patients with immunosuppression or debilitation. The aim of the study is to report the case of a 61-year-old male patient with hypertension and diabetes admitted to a hospital unit for cardiac surgery. The patient complained of burning in the maxilla and difficulty feeding. On physical examination, ulcerated lesions were observed in the edentulous superior alveolar ridge, covered by whitish plaques removed by scraping, compatible with pseudomembranous candidiasis. One day after starting the use of the antifungal it was possible to observe ulcerated serpiginous lesions, with erythematous borders, characteristic of herpes simplex. Treatment with antiviral and laser therapy, red light 3 J/cm², was started to aid healing and provide analgesia. After the first session of laser therapy, the patient reported an improvement in his diet, and remission of the lesions was observed after 2 sessions of laser therapy and 5 days of antiviral use. Herpes virus and Candida spp. are opportunistic microorganisms, common in patients with immunosuppression or debilitation. The aim of the study is to report the case of a 61-year-old male patient with hypertension and diabetes admitted to a hospital unit for cardiac surgery. The patient complained of burning in the maxilla and difficulty feeding. On physical examination, ulcerated lesions were observed in the edentulous superior alveolar ridge, covered by whitish plaques removed by scraping, compatible with pseudomembranous candidiasis. One day after starting the use of the antifungal it was possible to observe ulcerated serpiginous lesions, with erythematous borders, characteristic of herpes simplex. Treatment with antiviral and laser therapy, red light 3 J/cm², was started to aid healing and provide analgesia. After the first session of laser therapy, the patient reported an improvement in his diet, and remission of the lesions was observed after 2 sessions of laser therapy and 5 days of antiviral use.