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Case Reports
. 2015 Jan 30:2015:bcr2014208438.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2014-208438.

A corneal dendritic lesion with a skin eruption: eczema herpeticum, an important differential diagnosis

Alex Steptoe  1 , Tafadzwa Young-Zvandasara  1 , Mohammed Muhtaseb  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

A corneal dendritic lesion with a skin eruption: eczema herpeticum, an important differential diagnosis

Alex Steptoe et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

Eczema herpeticum is a rare and potentially life-threatening viral infection. We present the case of a 54-year-old man who presented to the emergency eye clinic with a dendritic ulcer and a facial rash. An initial diagnosis of herpes zoster ophthalmicus was suspected. On follow-up, the rash had begun to rapidly disseminate and was no longer respecting dermatome boundaries. A diagnosis of eczema herpeticum was made and appropriate treatment started. This case highlights the importance of a comprehensive history and close inspection of skin lesions in patients with herpetic eye disease.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Photograph of frontal area of head, showing multiple dendritic/geographic lesions.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Photograph showing distribution of eruption. Note lesions crossing the midline and not confined to the V1 dermatome.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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References

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