Hydroa vacciniforme with ocular involvement: a rare clinical presentation

Salma Kozmane, Department of Dermatology, Hassan II University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine, Sidi Mohamed ben Abdellah University of Fez, Fez, Morocco Meryem Soughi, Department of Dermatology, Hassan II University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine, Sidi Mohamed ben Abdellah University of Fez, Fez, Morocco Fadila Lachkar, Department of Ophthalmology, Hassan II University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine, Sidi Mohamed ben Abdellah University of Fez, Fez, Morocco Nawal Hammas, Department of Pathological Anatomy and Cytology. Hassan II University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine, Sidi Mohamed ben Abdellah University of Fez, Fez, Morocco Fatimazahra Mernissi, Department of Dermatology, Hassan II University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine, Sidi Mohamed ben Abdellah University of Fez, Fez, Morocco

Hydroa vacciniforme (HV) is a rare photodermatosis in children, characterized by recurrent vesiculopapular eruptions on sun-exposed areas, leaving small, varioliform atrophic scars. Ocular involvement is rare and poorly documented. We describe the case of a 13-year-old boy presenting with bilateral ocular redness and decreased visual acuity associated with photosensitive skin lesions present since the age of 6. Examination revealed numerous atrophic facial scars as well as papulovesicular and crusted lesions on sun-exposed skin. Ophthalmological examination revealed superficial punctate keratitis and keratouveitis with a corneal epithelial ulcer. Epstein-Barr virus serology revealed positive immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and negative IgM antibodies. The diagnosis of HV was confirmed by skin biopsy. This case highlights a rare complication of HV and underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving dermatologists and ophthalmologists. Early detection of ocular involvement can prevent long-term visual impairment and ensure optimal patient management.

Keywords: Hydroa vacciniforme. Kerato-uveitis. Ocular inflammation. Pediatric. Photodermatosis. Photosensitivity.