Eczema Herpeticum: Is Your Eczema Infected with Herpes Simplex Virus?
Eczema herpeticum is a serious condition which happens when eczema is infected with herpes simplex virus. Since its discovery sometime in 1887, eczema herpeticum has remained as one of the life threatening types of skin diseases. People who are suffering from eczema herpeticum should consult a doctor immediately. Note that when this type of skin diseases is left untreated for a certain period of time, the patient may suffer from severe discomforts and complications which could lead to death.
How Do You Know That You Have Eczema Herpeticum?
The first signs that you are infected with eczema herpeticum are high fever together with the appearance of multiple itchy and watery blisters that are filled with yellow pus on your skin. These symptoms usually occur around 5 to 12 days from the time you become infected. As soon as you notice these symptoms, go to your doctor immediately.
If you leave the blisters unattended, these blisters will spread to adjacent areas of the skin and they may start to bleed, swell, become encrusted and start to erode. In some cases, secondary infection and complications occur. When this happens, things get more complicated and you may have to stay in the hospital for fews days. Moreover, the blisters and skin erosions can leave ugly scars on your skin so you should never take eczema herpeticum for granted. If you suspect that your eczema is infected with herpes simplex virus, consult your doctor immediately.
What Causes Eczema Herpeticum?
According to medical experts, the cause of eczema herpeticum is HSV type 1. This virus enters into the skin when the skin barrier is impaired due to dermatitis or eczema. Skin to skin contact with a person who have cold sores or genital herpes usually triggers the infection. It is very important to avoid contact with people who are suffering from cold sores or genital herpes if you are suffering from skin disorders.
To make sure that you do not contract eczema herpeticum, it is best to avoid crowded place until your dermatitis completely heals. As much as possible, avoid riding in crowded buses or trains. These places are breeding ground for germs. Moreover, it is often difficult to maintain distance from the other passengers of the train or bus. If you must travel while still nursing your dermatitis, wear protective clothing and make sure that you do not have skin to skin contact with the people around you.
