Herpes Simply Strikes Back: A Case of Recurrent Esophagitis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Herpes simplex virus esophagitis (HE) is a commonly observed disease in immunocompromised individuals, but is rare in immunocompetent individuals and often misdiagnosed due to overlapping features with other causes of esophagitis. Delay in diagnosis and appropriate treatment can lead to severe complications such as esophageal ulceration, resulting in bleeding, perforation, fistulas, food impaction, and strictures. We report a rare case of recurrent HE in an immunocompetent male initially misdiagnosed as Candida esophagitis. This case underscores the importance of considering HSV in the differential diagnosis of esophageal ulcerations, highlights the potential for recurrence in immunocompetent hosts, and emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis, timely antiviral therapy, and patient education to prevent complications.