What is Eczema Herpticum?

Eczema herpeticum is a form of skin condition that happens due to a weak skin barrier being exposed to a Herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2. For those confused about Herpes simplex virus type 1/2, it is one of the most common sexual transmitted disease (STD).

While it happens most commonly among children, adults with weak immune systems or skin barrier can also be inflicted with eczema herpticum. So, be careful!

The symptoms of eczema herpticum is as follows:

• Blisters of very similar sizes happening in a rash-like manner.
• Fever, chills, and shivers.
• Lumps on your neck, armpit, or groin (also known as lymph nodes).

Is Eczema Herpticum contagious?

Yes, but not in the manner that you think. Generally someone with the common strain of herpes can easily inflict someone with a weak immune system or skin barrier. However, this requires an interaction with a herpes-inflicted cold sore.

If you know anyone with herpes and you have a case of eczema, make sure to not interact with the cold sores to avoid infection.

Lastly, make sure you always practice proper hygiene if you have interacted with someone that has herpes. While the interaction itself isn’t dangerous, but be aware that people have herpes sometimes will have cold sores in their mouths, making it the easiest method to transmit the virus.

Is Eczema Herpticum dangerous?

If you feel like you are suffering from one of the symptoms above, consider eczema herpticum an emergency.

Delaying treatment or waiting to see if it’ll subside will complicate the treatment. Eczema herpticum is known to spread to other parts of the body of the inflicted very quickly – including the eyes and the inner organs

Once this happens, complication arising from delaying any treatments to eczema herpticum will also create opportunities for other viruses to invade your already weaken immune system and skin barrier. If the virus spreads to your eyes, blindness is a possibility and an ophthalmologist should be immediately consulted.

If further complications happen or if the treatment for eczema herpticum is delayed, death is a possibility.

What should I do if I have Eczema Herpticum?

It can also only be treated by antiviral medicine that can only be prescribed by doctors.

If you suspect you have eczema herpticum, don’t take the risk of using home remedies.

All doctors will also regard eczema herpticum as an emergency due to the speed of infection once blisters have started appearing. So if in doubt, don’t hesitate to immediately contact your doctor for treatment.

It normally takes up to 10 to 14 days with antiviral medicine for eczema herpticum to heal. It’ll take longer for the blisters to heal.

While steroid cream is not recommended for eczema herpeticum, it might become necessary if your skin becomes infected by secondary bacteria during the ordeal.