How long does eczema herpeticum last?

As long as eczema herpeticum is treated quickly and with the right antiviral medicine, the outlook (prognosis) is very good. The spots usually heal up and go away in 2-6 weeks. If it is not treated quickly, however, it can spread rapidly and may have complications.

How does eczema herpeticum start?

An eczema herpeticum happens when the herpes virus infects large areas of the skin. People with atopic dermatitis are more susceptible to skin infection in general, including eczema herpeticum. Eczema herpeticum can also appear in people who have contact dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis.

Is eczema herpeticum life threatening?

Eczema herpeticum is a potentially life-threatening disease with mortality risk due to complications of systemic viremia, bacteremia, and fungal infection leading to multi-organ failure.

Can you get eczema herpeticum if you don’t have eczema?

Anyone with atopic dermatitis can get eczema herpeticum, but infants and young children are the ones most often affected, especially if they have moderate to severe eczema (AAD, n.d.). Approximately 10–20% of people with atopic dermatitis develop eczema herpeticum (Siegfried, 2015).

What kind of skin infection is eczema herpeticum?

Eczema Herpeticum. Eczema herpeticum is a rare and serious skin infection caused by one of the herpes viruses. It causes a blistery, painful skin rash. It most often affects children who have eczema. It is often confused with other skin infections.

How long does it take for eczema herpeticum to heal?

The blisters all look alike and can be red, purplish, or black. The rash can spread to new sites 7 to 10 days after the first outbreak. The blisters ooze pus when they break open, and then the lesions crust over. The EH rash heals in two to six weeks. It can leave scars. Other symptoms may include: high fever. chills.

What are the symptoms of eczema on the skin?

Skin symptoms of eczema herpeticum include: Cluster of small blisters that are itchy and painful. Blisters that look red, purple or black. Blisters that ooze pus when broken open.

What’s the difference between eczema and impetigo?

As eczema herpeticum is often on the face or around the mouth, it is often confused with impetigo (a common skin infection caused by bacteria). The difference is that a child with eczema herpeticum will often be generally unwell, with a fever, whereas with impetigo they don’t usually feel ill.