dendriform ulcer
dendritic ulcer

Herpes virus cause a dendritic ulcer, which can recur and relapse over the lifetime of an individual.

Dendritic ulcer (Epithelial keratitis)

This classic herpetic lesion consists of a linear branching corneal ulcer (dendritic ulcer).

Viral infection of the cornea is often caused by the herpes simplex virus which frequently leaves what is called a 'dendritic ulcer'.

The effect of the lesions varies, from minor damage to the epithelium (superficial punctate keratitis), to formation of dendritic ulcers.

The epithelial layer is sloughed off as the dendritic ulcer grows, and mild inflammation (iritis) may occur in the underlying stroma of iris.

Epithelial lesions, especially initial attacks presenting with a dendritic ulcer, are most responsive to therapy, while infection with stromal involvement are less responsive.

Application of steroids to a dendritic ulcer caused by HSV will result in rapid and significant worsening of the ulcer to form an 'amoeboid' or 'geographic' ulcer, so named because of the ulcer's map like shape.