Prolonged Pre‐Eruptive Phase of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus in Immunocompetent Athlete: A Case of Delayed Diagnosis and Management Challenges

Abstract

ABSTRACT Herpes zoster ophthalmicus should be considered in patients with intractable headache and eye pain, even without rash or classic risk factors. Early recognition of the pre‐eruptive phase and prompt antiviral therapy are crucial to prevent severe complications, including permanent vision loss or blindness.

Keywords

• delayed diagnosis
• headache
• herpes zoster ophthalmicus
• intractable pain
• shingles
• varicella‐zoster virus