Pediatric burn wound complicated with herpes simplex virus infection: A rare case report and literature review

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus infection in major burn wounds is a well-known entity. Here, I am reporting a relatively rare case of a pediatric patient who presented with superficial partial-thickness scald burn injury over his face and neck. He was managed in outpatient department services with topical antibiotic dressings. After 2 weeks, he presented with multiple vesicular lesions over his lower face and neck with delayed wound healing in that area. Clinical suspicion of superadded viral infection was made. Tzanck smear and polymerase chain reaction test confirmed the infection with herpes simplex virus. Antiviral treatment was started, and regular dressings were continued. The patient responded well to the treatment, and lesions were disappeared. Later, he developed hypertrophic scarring over the lower part of face. Now, he is being managed on massage and pressure therapy. There has been no relapse of viral infection till 6 months of follow-up.