Herpes zoster duplex bilateralis in an immunocompetent woman--is gender a risk factor?

Herpes zoster duplex is a rare presentation of herpes zoster in which noncontiguous dermatomes are involved. If both sides of the body are affected, it is called herpes zoster duplex bilateralis; if only 1 side is involved, it is called herpes zoster unilateralis. Usually, this presentation of herpes zoster is associated with some level of immunosuppression. We present a case concerning herpes zoster duplex bilateralis occurring in a healthy, immunocompetent woman and discuss if female sex may be a risk factor for this presentation of herpes zoster.