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 steroidsoreczema.[1] It is also known as Kaposi varicelliform eruption, Pustulosis varioliformis acute and Kaposi–Juliusberg dermatitis.
Some sources reserve the term "eczema herpeticum" when the cause is due to human herpes simplex virus,[2] and the term "Kaposi varicelliform eruption" to describe the general presentation without specifying the virus.[3]
This condition is most commonly caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2, but may also be caused by coxsackievirus A16, or vaccinia virus.[1] It appears as numerous umbilicated vesicles superimposed on healing atopic dermatitis. it is often accompanied by fever and lymphadenopathy. Eczema herpeticum can be life-threatening in babies.
Even though the disease may develop at any age it is mostly present in childhood.[5] Those who are affected typically have pre-existing cutaneous condition like atopic dermatitis.[5]
Eczema herpeticum was first described by Hungarian dermatologist Moriz Kaposi in 1887.[6] Fritz Juliusberg coined the term Pustulosis varioliformis acute in 1898. Eczema herpeticum is caused by Herpes simplex virus HSV1, the virus that causes cold sores; it can also be caused by other related viruses.
