Abstract

Virological studies have proved herpes simplex virus type 2 to be the cause of the severe primary infection in a 37-year-old man with necrotising balanitis. Symptoms of urethritis preceded the appearance of a severe local lesion; dissemination of infection occurred and lesions developed on the skin of the scalp, neck, trunk, buttocks, arms, legs, and feet. No evidence of involvement of the central nervous system was found, and the penile and skin lesions improved rapidly after the application of 5% idoxuridine in dimethylsulphoxide. Recurrences occurred at various skin sites at six to seven months after the primary infection.