Introduction: Hyaluronic acid injections is relatively safe with little risk of complications. Although herpes reactivation after the injection of hyaluronic acid is rare, it produces quite a huge pressure and panic on patients. Quite a lot cosmetic practitioners have no awareness of preventing, diagnosing, and giving correct treatment in time due to lack of experience.
Patient concerns: A 24-year-old woman presented with erythema, crusted papules, pain and swelling on the nose after receiving the injection of hyaluronic acid. A swab of the discharge fluid was obtained for bacterial and viral culture, showing positive for herpes simplex virus.
Diagnosis: The patient was diagnosed as herpes reactivation after the injection of hyaluronic acid.
Interventions: The patient underwent antiviral therapy with acyclovir 400 mg, 3 times daily for seven days.
Outcomes: After a week of antiviral treatment, the clinical signs improved.
Conclusion: Herpes reactivation after the injection of hyaluronic acid is quite rare but needed sufficient attention of cosmetic practitioners to make the proper diagnosis, prevention and treatment.