Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2025
06:44
Demonstration of Cutaneous Allodynia in Association with Chronic Pelvic Pain
Published on: June 23, 2009
19.6K
Woman with a Painful Rash
Leyan Shalabi1, Wesley Eilbert1
1University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
|February 4, 2025
Summary
Eczema herpeticum, a severe skin infection caused by herpes simplex virus, requires prompt antiviral treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for preventing serious complications and improving patient outcomes in this condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Eczema herpeticum is a potentially life-threatening cutaneous superinfection.
- It occurs in individuals with pre-existing eczematous skin conditions.
- Untreated eczema herpeticum carries a high mortality rate exceeding 50%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of eczema herpeticum.
- To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 21-year-old woman with eczema.
- Clinical examination revealing erythematous vesicles on hyperpigmented patches.
- Empirical treatment with intravenous acyclovir.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmation of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1).
Main Results:
- The patient presented with a rapidly spreading, painful vesicular rash.
- Intravenous acyclovir led to clinical improvement.
- PCR testing confirmed the presence of HSV-1 in vesicle fluid.
Conclusions:
- Eczema herpeticum is a serious complication of eczema, caused by herpes simplex virus.
- Prompt recognition and treatment with antiviral agents are essential for favorable outcomes.
- Early intervention significantly reduces the high morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.
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