Exzema Herpeticum

A herpes simplex infection can spread rapidly in the presence of exzema and cause a severe infection known as exzema herpeticum. This may present as a generalised illness with fever, malaise and a widespread crusted, blistering rash. It can also be more localised, often confined to areas with active exzema. A history of a recent coldsore in the affected individual or a close contact is useful in making the diagnosis before swab results become available. Because of the severity of the condition, treatment with oral antiviral agents such as aciclovir is often started before any swab results are available.