EH causes a rash and blistering that looks similar to chickenpox.

It is also calledKaposi varicelliform.

Ellen Lindner / Verywell

Symptoms

Eczema herpeticum is triggered by exposure to the herpes simplex virus.

Eczema Herpeticum Symptoms

Ellen Lindner / Verywell

Eczema Herpeticum Stages

Eczema herpeticum begins as clusters of itchy, painful blisters.

After one to two weeks, the blisters will break open and dry.

They should be completely healed in two to six weeks.

Research suggests that EH occurs in around 3% of people with eczema.

Therefore, it is possible to have both a bacterial and a viral infection simultaneously.

What is the difference between eczema herpeticum and impetigo?

Eczema herpeticum andimpetigoare both skin infections, but their causes are different.

Treatment

The primary way to treat EH is with antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir.

If a secondary infection is suspected, you may be prescribed antibiotics at the same time.

Is eczema herpeticum contagious?

Eczema herpeticum is triggered by the herpes virus.

The virus is easily transmitable via skin to skin contact.

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