Herpes zoster ophthalmicus following platelet-rich plasma therapy for androgenetic alopecia

A man in his 60s developed herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) with secondary preseptal cellulitis after receiving platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for androgenetic alopecia. Despite initial treatment for suspected allergic reaction and bacterial cellulitis, his condition worsened until HZO was confirmed, and he was treated with both intravenous antivirals and antibiotics. This is the second reported case of HZO following PRP in the literature, suggesting a rare potential adverse reaction. The temporal and anatomical association strongly implicates PRP as a trigger, possibly due to immune modulation or contamination. Standardised PRP protocols and administration by trained medical professionals are crucial to mitigate risks.

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Publication Details

Journal
BMJ Case Reports
Published
2025-09-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2025-266609
Primary Topic
Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus following platelet-rich plasma therapy for androgenetic alopecia

Sam Myers, Saurabh Jain, George Riding
BMJ Case Reports
Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
article

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus following platelet-rich plasma therapy for androgenetic alopecia

Sam Myers, Saurabh Jain, George Riding
article en

Abstract

A man in his 60s developed herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) with secondary preseptal cellulitis after receiving platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for androgenetic alopecia. Despite initial treatment for suspected allergic reaction and bacterial cellulitis, his condition worsened until HZO was confirmed, and he was treated with both intravenous antivirals and antibiotics. This is the second reported case of HZO following PRP in the literature, suggesting a rare potential adverse reaction. The temporal and anatomical association strongly implicates PRP as a trigger, possibly due to immune modulation or contamination. Standardised PRP protocols and administration by trained medical professionals are crucial to mitigate risks.

BMJ Case ReportsVol. 18(9)
University College Hospital (GB), Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (GB), The London College (GB), University College London (GB)
Openalex Percentile: Top 67%
Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
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