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The Seriousness of Eczema Herpeticum
from:Eczema, often referred to as atropic eczema, is a skin condition that affects many people at some time in their life. Although it usually affects young children (infantile eczema), it also affects older children, teenagers and young adults. Symptoms of eczema often resurface from time to time. Symptoms of eczema are a rash. Sometimes you may feel itchiness before the rash even appears on your body. This is why eczema is often called "the itch that causes a rash" instead of a rash that causes an itch. Other symptoms are dry, itchy, scaly skin usually on the face, neck, hand and legs. In children, it may also occur on the elbows and knees. They may be patches of redness as well as skin lesions depending on the severity of the eczema. Atropic eczema, although a irritating and bothersome condition, is not serious. It's important that you be certain that it is eczema you have is not a more serious condition such as Eczema Herpeticum.
Eczema Herpeticum is a variety of the herpes simplex virus infection. Eczema Herpeticum will affect those individuals that are suffering from atropic eczema. Unlike "regular" eczema, which is not serious, eczema Herpeticum will often spread across your entire body. In addition attacking and affecting the pre-existing skin conditions, it may also damage some of your vital organs such as your brain, eyes, liver and lungs. This is why eczema Herpeticum is considered a possibly fatal condition. Hepetic infection should not be taken lightly. Because eczema Herpeticum is considered a dermatological emergency, doctors will usually begin treatment even before the diagnosis is certain, if they suspect the infection is present. The most common treatments for eczema Herpeticum are Valaciclovir and Acyclovir.
Common symptoms of eczema Herpeticum are very dry and itchy skin, which usually is red and inflamed. In some cases, blisters may form on the lesions, ooze puss, and become crusty. Antiviral therapies are usually the treatment that is used for eczema Herpeticum.
Even if you have suffered from eczema in the past, do not always assume that's what you are developing. It's better to see a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis than risk the consequences. If you have a family history of asthma, hay fever or eczema and suddenly develop unexplained rash, see a doctor. If you have an inflammation that doesn't respond to hydrocortisone treatments within a week, you should also consult your doctor. He will probably recommend a stronger treatment and monitor your condition.
Another sign to beware of is if your existing eczema marks become yellow/brownish and crusty or pus-filled on top of old eczema marks. If you are exposed to anyone that has cold sores or genital herpes while you have a eczema bout, you are at higher risk and should contact your doctor. In all cases, it's better to be safe than sorry.
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