Cutaneous herpes simplex infection

Cutaneous Herpes simplex infections occur either as a result of direct inoculation or in conjunction with primary genital or orolabial herpes. Lesions can occur anywhere on the body. However, when they occur in conjunction with genital herpes the commonest sites are the buttock, thigh and fingers. Cutaneous lesions may recur. In immunosuppressed patients recurrences may lead to 2 serious mucocutaneous complications; chronic progressive mucocutaneous herpes where lesions spread locally to leave large non-healing ulcers; or acute mucocutaneous dissemination where the infection disseminates widely over the skin. In dermatological conditions, especially atopic eczema, widespread cutaneous dissemination (Kaposi's varicelliform eruption) may occur. This usually occurs in association with primary herpes although recurrences do sometimes occur.