Disseminated Cutaneous Herpes Simplex Virus: A Severe Case of Erythema Herpeticum in a Clinically Immunocompetent Patient

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)–induced eczema herperticum is seen in clinical practice most commonly as lesions of the mucosa or epidermis. Disseminated cutaneous infection caused by HSV-1 is rarely reported. Here, we present the patient case of a woman in her late 20s who came in for a presumed eczema flare that quickly developed into a disseminated cutaneous disease. Skin biopsy revealed HSV-1 as the causative factor. Valacyclovir therapy led to almost complete resolution of her skin lesions.