title: A corneal dendritic lesion with a skin eruption: eczema herpeticum, an important differential diagnosis.
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.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Cwm Taf University Health Board, Llantrisant, UK.
authors: Alex
authors: A
authors: Steptoe
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Cwm Taf University Health Board, Llantrisant, UK.
authors: Tafadzwa
authors: T
authors: Young-Zvandasara
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Cwm Taf University Health Board, Llantrisant, UK.
authors: Mohammed
authors: M
authors: Muhtaseb
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007617:Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir
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