Recalcitrant hypertrophic herpes genitalis in HIV‐infected patient successfully treated with topical imiquimod

Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 is the primary cause of genital ulceration worldwide. The presence of atypical features like deep ulcerations, hypertrophic, or pseudotumoural lesions or unusual location can be a marker for co‐infection with HIV. These immunocompromised patients are usually resistant to the conventional antiviral treatment. We present a case of an HIV‐infected patient with hypertrophic herpes genitalis, refractory to conventional oral antiviral therapy, who was successfully treated with a combination of oral valcyclovir and topical application of 5% imiquimod.