Eczema Herpeticum

Synonyms

Disseminated virus infection, Kaposi varicelliform eruption.

Definition

Severe cutaneous infection mostly with herpes simplex virus Type I (HSV- 1). Infections with HSV-2, varicella zoster virus, or vaccinia adverse event have also been described.

Aetiology & Pathogenesis

Due to local and systemic immune dysfunction and impaired skin barrier function, patients with atopic dermatitis are at highest risk to develop eczema herpeticum. Infection occurs either by auto-inoculation (e.g. herpes labialis) or through contact with infected individuals.

Signs & Symptoms

Eruption of vesicles primarily in areas of severe dermatitis (face, neck, flexures), later developing into pustules, erosions and crusts. Generalised symptoms including high fever, marked pruritus, sometimes pain and lymphadenopathy.

Localisation

Usually face, neck and flexures. Rapid spreading all over the body.

Classification

None.

Laboratory & other workups

Non-specific, depending on the underlying disease, PCR confirmation.

Dermatopathology

Intraepidermal vesicles containing acantholytic cells, involvement of sebaceous glands, moderate dermal lymphocytic infiltration and edema.

Course

Massive eruption of vesicles and high fever in the beginning. Later vesicles become pustular and erosive. After 4-5 days general symptoms improve, scarring is possible.

Complications

Ocular involvement, secondary bacterial infections, pneumonia, herpetic encephalitis, viral sepsis.

Diagnosis

History of atopic dermatitis, identification of the virus by PCR.

Differential diagnosis

Bacterial infection, pre-existing bullous disease, other viral exanthems (e.g. Coxsackie), drug eruptions.

Prevention & Therapy

Limited disease can be treated with oral aciclovir, famciclovir or valaciclovir. Disseminated disease requires I.V. aciclovir. Secondary infections should be treated with culture-directed antibiotic therapy. Topical therapy includes wet dressings and antiseptics.

2.1.3 Eczema Herpeticum