Eczema herpeticum: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 11:49, 15 February 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preventive measures include managing underlying eczema effectively to maintain skin barrier integrity and avoiding contact with individuals known to have active herpes simplex infections.

Related pages

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-'''Eczema herpeticum''' is a rare but severe disseminated infection that generally occurs at sites of skin damage produced by, for example, atopic dermatitis, burns, long term usage of topical steroids or eczema. It is also known as '''Kaposi varicelliform eruption''' due to its presentation.
+{{Short description|A viral infection of the skin associated with eczema}}
-== Causes ==
+'''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 is caused by the [[Herpes simplex virus]], either type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). The virus infects through the eczematous skin lesions, leading to the systemic spread of the virus and a severe infection.
-== Symptoms ==
+==Pathophysiology==
-The symptoms of eczema herpeticum include the sudden onset of clusters of painful, fluid-filled blisters that may be accompanied by fever, malaise, or swollen lymph nodes. The blisters rapidly progress to punched-out erosions, and these may coalesce into larger ulcers.
+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.
-== Diagnosis ==
+==Clinical Presentation==
-The diagnosis of eczema herpeticum is made based on the clinical presentation and confirmed with laboratory tests. The tests include [[Tzanck smear]], viral culture, or [[PCR]] of the skin lesions.
+[[File:Eczema_herpitcum.jpg|thumb|right|Lesions of eczema herpeticum on the face]]
+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.
-== Treatment ==
+==Diagnosis==
-The treatment of eczema herpeticum involves antiviral therapy with [[acyclovir]] or similar agents. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
+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.
-== Prognosis ==
+==Treatment==
-The prognosis of eczema herpeticum is generally good with early diagnosis and treatment. However, if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as [[herpetic keratitis]], which can cause blindness, or [[encephalitis]], which can be fatal.
+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.
-== Prevention ==
+==Complications==
-Prevention of eczema herpeticum involves managing the underlying skin condition and avoiding triggers that can cause skin damage and subsequent infection.
+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==
+Preventive measures include managing underlying eczema effectively to maintain skin barrier integrity and avoiding contact with individuals known to have active herpes simplex infections.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Atopic dermatitis]]
+* [[Herpes simplex]]
+* [[Viral skin infections]]
 [[Category:Dermatology]]
-[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
 [[Category:Viral diseases]]
-[[Category:Skin conditions]]
-[[Category:Herpes]]
-{{stub}}