There aren’t many people who have asked, "What is eczema herpeticum?" That is because it is such a rare condition that many people don’t know anything about it. This condition is contracted by someone with eczema that comes into skin contact with someone with herpes. This contact is very rare and minuscule, however when it does happen it can be potentially fatal. If you are someone who tends to suffer from atopic dermatitis it is beneficial to you to know all the potential risks that may be involved with this condition.

You will first notice that you have this virus after a 5 – 12 day gestation period after being infected. You will see a cluster of watery filled blisters on the area of your dermatitis and if untreated, it will worsen. The blisters will spread to other areas of the body, bleed and crust over. The pain can be very intense and accompanied by high fever. You are also at risk of developing a secondary bacterial infection.

The extent of the outbreak lasts from two to six week if you don’t treat it, but it is not recommended that you allow this. During the course of this illness you are putting you life in potential danger. Because of the attack to the immune system, the risk of a serious bacterial infection like Staph is a possibility. Later outbreaks seem to be milder than the first unless you have an immunodeficiency problem that doesn’t allow you to build up the necessary antibodies to fight the virus.

Once you are aware that you have contracted this harmful virus, you need to immediately seek medical attention. There are quite a few antiviral medicines that are available that your dermatologist can prescribe as well as pain meds for comfort. Even though you are researching what eczema herpeticum is, you should know that this virus isn’t the only one that can attack a person suffering for atopic dermatitis. Others viruses to be aware of are human papillomavirus and molluscum contagiosum. So if you have dermatitis and suspect that you have contracted any virus because you see blisters, you have high fever, or you are just not feeling very well, see your dermatologist. The doctor will have you undergo diagnostic testing to find out which virus you have.