Abstract

OROZCO SEBA, BEATRIZ et al. Kaposi varicelliform eruption in an elderly patient with severe malnutrition. Salud, Barranquilla [online]. 2022, vol.38, n.3, pp.946-954.  Epub May 30, 2023. ISSN 0120-5552.  https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.38.3.616.52.

Eczema herpeticum or Kaposi's varicelliform eruption is a rare viral infection; however, it's considered a dermatologic urgency due to the high potential for dissemination, severity and mortality. Immunosuppressed patients have a high risk of skin and visceral colonization in addition to a higher probability of other infections caused by herpes simplex virus. Kaposi's varicelliform eruption is characterized by vesicopustules, some umbilicated, others eroded and extended in clusters. They may also present hemorrhagic crusts with an erythematous base. The most commonly affected sites are head, neck, and trunk. These lesions are painful, they take from 2 to 6 weeks to heal and are usually associated with systemic signs of infection. Diagnosis is mainly clinical. In case of doubt, the Tzanck allows a rapid diagnostic approach with a sensitivity of 40-80 % and specificity up to 100 % in herpes virus. Antiviral treatment proved to be effective; additional antibiotic treatment is required if there is risk of bacterial infection. The timely treatment of the infection is the key in the evolution towards the recovery of the patient.

Keywords : kaposi's varicelliform eruption; herpes simplex; Staphylococcus haemolyticus; immunosuppression.

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