herpeticumEczema herpeticum is an infection that is caused by atopic eczema and while rare is extremely serious as it can be life threatening.

Fortunately because it is so rare, most people with eczema will never have to worry about contracting it, but it is something to be aware of nonetheless.

It develops after the herpes simplex virus comes into contact with an open eczema wound. So you if have eczema then avoid people will cold sores and be careful when having sexual contact with anyone in case they carry the herpes virus.

It can affect people of all ages and many people are not even aware that they have contracted it because symptoms don’t appear until up to one week after contact.

It shows up as red, very itchy, very painful watery blisters on the skin which can sometimes be crusted over and the patient will also probably have a fever and swollen lymph nodes as well. If left untreated it will develop into a staphylococcal infection which has caused organ damage and even death in many people.

If you suspect that you or a member of your family may have contracted eczema herpeticum then get to your doctor as soon as possible, he will prescribe anti-staphylococcal drugs such as Acyclovir and Valaciclovir which are very effective in clearing up the infection.

Eczema Herpeticum Pictures

If you would like to see some pictures and photos of eczema herpeticum so that you can recognise it when you see it, please have a look at some of the pictures below.  Some of the pictures are from adults and others from children.


With the right treatment you can clear and help cure eczema herpeticum so don’t give up trying and please when your condition get’s as chronic as these pictures then please see your doctor for advice.  It isn’t treated the same way that normal eczema is, as it’s caused by a different virus – the disseminated herpes infection.

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