Herpes simplex, atopic eczema

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This study gains additional significance via the

atopy/gastrointestinal-CMV

connection described in Occena RO et al.

Arch Dis Child 1985 Apr;60(4):338-43

Herpes simplex infections in atopic eczema.

TJ, Longson M

One hundred and seventy nine children with atopic eczema were

studied prospectively for two and three quarter years; the mean

period of observation being 18 months. Ten children had initial

infections with herpes simplex. Four children, very ill with a

persistently high fever despite intravenous antibiotics and rectal

aspirin, continued to produce vesicles and were given intravenous

acyclovir. There were 11 recurrences among five patients. In two

patients the recurrences were as severe as the initial lesions, and

one of these children had IgG2 deficiency. Use of topical

corticosteroids preceded the episode of herpes in only three of the

21 episodes. Symptomatic herpes simplex infections are common in

children with atopic eczema, and are suggested by the presence of

vesicles or by infected eczema which does not respond to antibiotic

treatment. Virological investigations are simple and rapid:

electron microscopy takes minutes, and cultures are often positive

within 24 hours.

PMID: 4004311, UI: 85224351