Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Following Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

September 2025 in “ BMJ Case Reports ”

George Riding, Sam Myers, Saurabh Jain

platelet-rich plasma androgenetic alopecia herpes zoster ophthalmicus preseptal cellulitis immune modulation PRP

Studysummary This case report suggests that herpes zoster ophthalmicus with secondary preseptal cellulitis may occur as a rare adverse reaction following platelet-rich plasma injections for androgenetic alopecia.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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

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