Reactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus in a Polytraumatized Patient

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a common neurotropic virus that remains latent in sensory neurons after the initial infection. Reactivation can occur throughout life, especially in the presence of triggering factors such as trauma, immunosuppression, or stress. We present a case of a 72-year-old male developed herpetic stomatitis with perioral vesicular lesions following multiple traumatic injuries, including severe head trauma and subarachnoid hemorrhage.