Eczema Herpeticum

Eczema herpeticum (EH) is a disseminated cutaneous infection with herpes simplex virus that develops in a patient with atopic dermatitis. EH typically presents as a sudden onset eruption of monomorphic vesicles and "punched-out" erosions with hemorrhagic crusts over eczematous areas. Patients may have systemic symptoms, such as fever, lymphadenopathy, or malaise. Presentation ranges from mild and self-limiting in healthy adults to life-threatening in children, infants, and immunocompromised patients. Early treatment with antiviral therapy can shorten the duration of mild disease and prevent morbidity and mortality in severe cases.