Eczema Herpeticum: How to Care for Your Child
Eczema herpeticum is a serious condition, but most kids who are treated early get better within a few weeks.
Eczema herpeticum (EX-eh-muh her-PET-ih-kim) is a skin infection that occurs when the skin becomes infected by herpes simplex (the type of viruses that causes cold sores). It is more likely in kids who have eczema, an ongoing skin condition that causes itchy rashes and weakened skin. It also can occur in kids with some other skin disorders.
Symptoms may include painful red blisters (filled with fluid or pus) or sores, fever, swollen glands, and tiredness. The infection can spread quickly to the eyes or internal organs, causing serious problems, so prompt treatment is very important.
Health care providers prescribe an antiviral medication to help the body fight the herpes simplex virus. The health care team may have initially given this to your child through an IV in the hospital. Bacteria sometimes infect the sores, so the health care provider also may have started your child on an antibiotic.
Blisters usually go away within 2–6 weeks. Kids can get eczema herpeticum more than once.
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Give your child any medicines prescribed by the health care provider as directed and for the length of time recommended, even if your child improves before then.
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Itching can be eased with clean, cool, wet compresses.
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If your child is uncomfortable, a medication may help your child feel better:
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For children under 6 months, you may give acetaminophen.
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For children over 6 months, you may give acetaminophen OR ibuprofen, if recommended by your health care provider.
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Do not give aspirin to your child or teen as it has been linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
Your child:
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Develops any blisters or sores around the eyes.
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Develops eye redness or irritation, has difficulty seeing, or has vision changes.
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Develops a high fever or chills.
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Appears dehydrated; signs include dizziness, drowsiness, a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, producing less urine or darker than usual urine, crying with little or no tears.
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Has severe or new pain.
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Develops trouble breathing, vomiting, easy bruising or bleeding, a headache, confusion, or other new symptoms that concern you.