Herpes simplex esophagitis commonly occurs in immune-compromised individuals. We report the condition in two immunocompetent individuals (one presenting with retrosternal pain and diarrhea and the other with dysphagia and fever) and in two patients with obstructive airway disease who had received corticosteroid therapy. The first two did not receive treatment, one was lost to follow up and the other is asymptomatic two years later. The latter two patients received acyclovir therapy.