[Erosive-ulcerative type of herpes simplex of the lids (author's transl)]

In 14 patients the diagnosis of an erosive-ulcerative type of herpes simplex of the lids was made. It is characterized by erosions of the intermarginal portion of the lid or by erosions or ulcers of the skin, especially close to the lid margin. A combination of both clinical forms is possible. Characteristic herpetic vesicles have been observed only in one case, being situated in close proximity to the erosive lesion of the lid margin. The visualisation of erosions located at the intermarginal portion of the lid can be facilitated by staining with fluorescein. The lack of vesicular eruptions impedes a proper diagnosis; hence one should search for the history of recurrent herpetic infections. A presumptive diagnosis can be confirmed by the immunofluorescence technique. For treatment, topical application of virustatic and antibiotic ointment is recommended.