Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption

Excerpt

Kaposi varicelliform eruption (KVE), also known as eczema herpeticum, is a disseminated skin infection usually caused by herpes simplex virus that typically leads to localized vesicular eruptions in patients with an underlying cutaneous disease. Although rare, it is a potentially life-threatening disorder. Most cases occur in patients with atopic dermatitis. However, Kaposi varicelliform eruption has been associated with other skin conditions such as pemphigus foliaceus, ichthyosis vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid, Darier disease, Grover disease, Hailey-Hailey disease, dyskeratosis follicularis, mycosis fungoides, Sézary syndrome, psoriasis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, second-degree burns, and skin grafts. Clinical manifestations of Kaposi varicelliform eruption include widespread clusters of umbilicated vesicles and pustules that evolve into crusted skin erosions (see Image. Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption).

1. The most frequently affected sites are the trunk, neck, and head.

2. Diagnosis is made primarily on clinical findings.

3. In inconclusive cases, the Tzanck smear, viral cultures, skin biopsy, or detection of viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction may be useful.

4. Antiviral therapy may be effective, but it should be initiated promptly after diagnosis to reduce morbidity and mortality.