Teen Hospitalized After Severe Herpes Outbreak Triggered by Sunburn at Tel Aviv Beach

Hadassah, a 16-year-old from Jerusalem, was hospitalized after a routine day at the Tel Aviv beach led to a severe herpes virus outbreak triggered by prolonged sun exposure. After spending about eight hours at the beach with minimal sun protection, Hadassah developed intense facial swelling and pain, culminating in one eye nearly closing completely. Initially misdiagnosed with an allergic reaction or simple sunburn, her condition worsened over several days, prompting multiple medical visits.

At Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, doctors diagnosed her with a herpes virus reactivation combined with a secondary bacterial infection, caused by the virus emerging from dormancy due to immune suppression from sunburn. Prof. David Gillis explained that the sunburn damaged the skin’s protective barrier, allowing bacterial infection and causing significant swelling around the eye. Dr. Oded Shmeriz noted that prolonged UV exposure can disrupt immune regulation, reactivating dormant herpes virus and leading to outbreaks.

Hadassah was treated with antibiotics and antihistamines and was hospitalized for five days before being discharged with her eye fully open. Dr. Stav Sarna Kahan, head of the burn unit at Hadassah, warned that summer sun exposure, especially when combined with misleading products like tanning oils labeled with low SPF, poses serious health risks including severe burns and increased skin cancer risk. Hadassah reflected on her experience, emphasizing the importance of sun protection and warning friends against prolonged sun exposure without adequate sunscreen.

This case highlights the dangers of underestimating sun exposure and the potential for serious viral reactivation and secondary infections, underscoring the need for proper skin protection during summer months.