Can herpes zoster be recurrent?

Approximately 5% of patients with herpes zoster will experience a recurrence, usually in the same dermatome. However, recurrent HSV may also have a “zosteriform” distribution, indistinguishable from herpes zoster both clinically and on Tzanck smear. Although this presentation is not common, the possibility should be entertained, especially when the dermatomes involved are in the orofacial or genital distribution or the patient presents with “recurrent zoster.”