Trigeminal trophic syndrome (TTS) is a rare cause of facial ulceration resulting from self-manipulation of skin following peripheral or central injury to the trigeminal system. The average period between the trigeminal nerve injury and the onset of ulcer varies from several weeks to many years.[1] The syndrome is characterized by a triad of anesthesia, paresthesia, and a secondary persistent or recurrent facial ulceration. The common dermatological causes are Hansen’s disease and herpes zoster.[2,3] Timely recognition of TTS will promote its correct diagnosis and better management. The condition has been reported to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease and meningioma.[4] We describe TTS in a 70-year-old male who was presented with a persistent linear ulcer on the forehead and severe scarring involving the forehead, upper eyelid, and left nose [Figure 1], following an episode of herpes zoster affecting the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve 1 year ago.
Figure 1.
Linear ulcer on the forehead and scarring involving the forehead upper eyelid and left side of the nose
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References
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