Eczema herpeticum is a serious viral skin disease. This is a life-threatening disease with a mortality rate of 1-9%. Eczema herpeticum often develops at the location of pre-existing skin problems like atopic dermatitis.
Causes of This Eczema Type
This potentially fatal condition is caused by the herpes simplex virus (it is also known as coxsackie A 16 or vaccinia virus). This virus gets entry to the human body through the damaged epidermis of skin resulting from other problems like atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis or pemphigus, psoriasis, sunburns, or second degree burns.
This type of eczema is considered as a medical emergency due to the high mortality rate if the infection is not treated early. The condition needs to be examined by a physician and properly diagnosed. Because the illnesses can appear similar, the doctor must rule out small pox.
The eczema problem is seen in case of infants, teenagers, and adults. It can occur in both men and women. The problem can continue for 16 days to 6 weeks. Recurrent occurring may happen.
This type of eczema can leave scars on the skin after it is treated.
Symptoms of Eczema Herpeticum
There are many symptoms associated with Eczema herpeticum. Some of the most common symptoms of this problem are:
- A rash along with cluster of blisters develops. These are seen at the location of the pre-existing disease.
- Often flu like symptoms are seen with this problem. The person may have a fever and body aches.
- Pustules may develop. Later they can bleed and form scabs.
- The rash may be present on a specific area or can spread to other areas of the body. It is mostly seen at the neck and the head or the upper part of the body.
- It can also affect the eye and cause blindness.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of this eczema problem can be done medically. The umbilicated pus filled vesicles are used to diagnosis the problem. For speedy diagnosis, a laboratory test such as fluorescent antibody staining can be used. Doctors may also go for viral culture from the fluid of the blister, but it will take 48 hours.
Treatment
Various treatments can be used to help the people recover from Eczema herpeticum.
- Doctors may suggest the use of an antiviral drug. The medicine should be used at the initial stage. It can reduce the progression of the disease. Acyclovir is one drug commonly used for treatment of the herpes simplex virus.
- The person should never delay the treatment because it is a very serious disease and can even cause death if not treated early.
- The doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic. Antibiotics are good to prevent the risk of more infection.
- Scratching the skin should be avoided. To help discourage scratching, the fingernails should be cut short and kept clean to help prevent infection of the sores.
- Keep your house clean and remove dust from various items in the house. Dust can cause allergy and can worsen the situation. Use a damp cloth to dust to avoid scattering more dust in the air.
- Use the prescribed creams and ointments for your skin.