Eczema herpeticum in an immunocompetent man.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Eczema herpeticum is a rapidly progressing skin complication related to the herpes simplex virus, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or atopic dermatitis. Eczema herpeticum is characterized by cutaneous pain, scaling, and the presence of vesicular lesions, often accompanied by secondary infection. Dissemination of the infection can lead to severe morbidity and mortality in patients without appropriate antiviral and antibiotic therapy. CASE REPORT We presented a case of ankylosing spondylitis in a relatively young patient who did not receive immunosuppressive therapy and had no history of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, herpes zoster infection or atopic dermatitis. The patient's symptoms improved following a course of antiviral and antibiotic treatments. INTRODUCTION: The incidence of eczema herpeticum has been on the rise in recent decades, primarily due to an increased number of individuals with compromised immune systems. This increase can be attributed to various factors, including the higher prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, the more extensive use of immunosuppressive therapy, and what seems to be a growing incidence of atopic dermatitis.[1] This disease can be initially mistaken for Stevens-Johnson syndrome because of the rapid advancement of skin lesions, however, the atypical target lesions, flaccid bullae and prominent mucosal involvement found in Stevens-Johnson syndrome are absent in cases of eczema herpeticum. Other differential diagnoses include impetigo, disseminated herpes zoster, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, dermatitis herpetiformis.