Eczema herpeticum: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Eczema herpeticum | |||
| image = [[File:Eczema_herpitcum.jpg|left|thumb|Eczema herpeticum on the face]] | |||
| caption = Eczema herpeticum on the face | |||
| synonyms = Kaposi varicelliform eruption | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| symptoms = Fever, clusters of itchy and painful blisters | |||
| complications = [[Bacterial infection]], [[keratitis]], [[encephalitis]] | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = 2-6 weeks | |||
| causes = [[Herpes simplex virus]] infection in patients with [[atopic dermatitis]] | |||
| risks = [[Atopic dermatitis]], [[immunosuppression]] | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical examination, [[viral culture]], [[PCR]] | |||
| differential = [[Impetigo]], [[varicella]], [[herpes zoster]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antiviral drugs]] such as [[acyclovir]] | |||
| prognosis = Good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A viral infection of the skin associated with eczema}} | {{Short description|A viral infection of the skin associated with eczema}} | ||
'''Eczema herpeticum''', also known as '''Kaposi varicelliform eruption''', is a [[skin infection]] caused by the [[herpes simplex virus]] (HSV) in individuals with pre-existing [[atopic dermatitis]] or other forms of [[eczema]]. This condition is characterized by the rapid spread of painful, vesicular lesions over the affected areas of skin. | '''Eczema herpeticum''', also known as '''Kaposi varicelliform eruption''', is a [[skin infection]] caused by the [[herpes simplex virus]] (HSV) in individuals with pre-existing [[atopic dermatitis]] or other forms of [[eczema]]. This condition is characterized by the rapid spread of painful, vesicular lesions over the affected areas of skin. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Eczema herpeticum occurs when the herpes simplex virus infects the compromised skin barrier of individuals with eczema. The virus can spread rapidly, leading to widespread skin lesions. The condition is most commonly caused by [[HSV-1]], although [[HSV-2]] can also be responsible. | Eczema herpeticum occurs when the herpes simplex virus infects the compromised skin barrier of individuals with eczema. The virus can spread rapidly, leading to widespread skin lesions. The condition is most commonly caused by [[HSV-1]], although [[HSV-2]] can also be responsible. | ||
==Clinical Presentation== | ==Clinical Presentation== | ||
Patients with eczema herpeticum typically present with clusters of small, fluid-filled blisters that can become painful and crusted. These lesions often appear on areas of skin affected by eczema but can spread to other parts of the body. Systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, and lymphadenopathy may also be present. | Patients with eczema herpeticum typically present with clusters of small, fluid-filled blisters that can become painful and crusted. These lesions often appear on areas of skin affected by eczema but can spread to other parts of the body. Systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, and lymphadenopathy may also be present. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis of eczema herpeticum is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the characteristic vesicular lesions in a patient with a history of eczema. Confirmation can be obtained through laboratory tests such as viral culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or direct fluorescent antibody testing. | The diagnosis of eczema herpeticum is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the characteristic vesicular lesions in a patient with a history of eczema. Confirmation can be obtained through laboratory tests such as viral culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or direct fluorescent antibody testing. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The mainstay of treatment for eczema herpeticum is antiviral therapy. [[Acyclovir]] is commonly used to treat the infection and should be initiated promptly to reduce the risk of complications. Supportive care, including pain management and maintaining skin hydration, is also important. | The mainstay of treatment for eczema herpeticum is antiviral therapy. [[Acyclovir]] is commonly used to treat the infection and should be initiated promptly to reduce the risk of complications. Supportive care, including pain management and maintaining skin hydration, is also important. | ||
==Complications== | ==Complications== | ||
If left untreated, eczema herpeticum can lead to serious complications such as bacterial superinfection, [[keratoconjunctivitis]] if the eyes are involved, and in rare cases, systemic dissemination of the virus. | If left untreated, eczema herpeticum can lead to serious complications such as bacterial superinfection, [[keratoconjunctivitis]] if the eyes are involved, and in rare cases, systemic dissemination of the virus. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventive measures include managing underlying eczema effectively to maintain skin barrier integrity and avoiding contact with individuals known to have active herpes simplex infections. | Preventive measures include managing underlying eczema effectively to maintain skin barrier integrity and avoiding contact with individuals known to have active herpes simplex infections. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Atopic dermatitis]] | * [[Atopic dermatitis]] | ||
* [[Herpes simplex]] | * [[Herpes simplex]] | ||
* [[Viral skin infections]] | * [[Viral skin infections]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Viral diseases]] | [[Category:Viral diseases]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:40, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Eczema herpeticum | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Kaposi varicelliform eruption |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fever, clusters of itchy and painful blisters |
| Complications | Bacterial infection, keratitis, encephalitis |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | 2-6 weeks |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Herpes simplex virus infection in patients with atopic dermatitis |
| Risks | Atopic dermatitis, immunosuppression |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, viral culture, PCR |
| Differential diagnosis | Impetigo, varicella, herpes zoster |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
A viral infection of the skin associated with eczema
Eczema herpeticum, also known as Kaposi varicelliform eruption, is a skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in individuals with pre-existing atopic dermatitis or other forms of eczema. This condition is characterized by the rapid spread of painful, vesicular lesions over the affected areas of skin.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Eczema herpeticum occurs when the herpes simplex virus infects the compromised skin barrier of individuals with eczema. The virus can spread rapidly, leading to widespread skin lesions. The condition is most commonly caused by HSV-1, although HSV-2 can also be responsible.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Patients with eczema herpeticum typically present with clusters of small, fluid-filled blisters that can become painful and crusted. These lesions often appear on areas of skin affected by eczema but can spread to other parts of the body. Systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, and lymphadenopathy may also be present.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of eczema herpeticum is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the characteristic vesicular lesions in a patient with a history of eczema. Confirmation can be obtained through laboratory tests such as viral culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or direct fluorescent antibody testing.
Treatment[edit]
The mainstay of treatment for eczema herpeticum is antiviral therapy. Acyclovir is commonly used to treat the infection and should be initiated promptly to reduce the risk of complications. Supportive care, including pain management and maintaining skin hydration, is also important.
Complications[edit]
If left untreated, eczema herpeticum can lead to serious complications such as bacterial superinfection, keratoconjunctivitis if the eyes are involved, and in rare cases, systemic dissemination of the virus.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures include managing underlying eczema effectively to maintain skin barrier integrity and avoiding contact with individuals known to have active herpes simplex infections.
