VideoJug: What is "eczema" or "atopic dermatitis"?



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Eczema for the most part is not life threatening.  Sure it can be irritating and can rob you of a good quality of life but it won’t cause you death directly.  However, your eczema can become harmful when it becomes infected with herpes simplex virus.  This condition is known as eczema herpeticum. 

[tag-tec]Eczema herpeticum[/tag-tec] can damage vital organs in your body if left untreated and it could even cause death.  So if you have symptoms of a crusty, blistery rash that spreads throughout your body, causing you fatigue and fever, and you also have a history of cold sore, then you would need to see a physician quickly.  Early treatment can help stop the spread of the herpes simplex infection in your body. 

[tag-ice]Eczema herpeticum[/tag-ice] can occur when anyone with eczema, especially if it is sore and open has skin to skin contact with another person who has active facial (cold sores) or genital herpes. Genital herpes is transmitted via intimate contact with the mucous-covered linings of the mouth or the vagina or the genital skin.

Treatment for [tag-dtec]eczema herpeticum[/tag-dtec] normally is begun even before test results can be concluded, due to the nature of this particular infection.  The most common treatments for this infection are acyclovir and valaciclovir. 

You would also need to prevent secondary infections, such as streptococcus, quickly.  If left untreated, this infection could take control of your body and cause problems to major organs, including the eyes, liver, brains, and lungs.  In severe cases, it can also cause death.  It is important to carefully watch your eczema and monitor how you feel for any unusual symptoms. 

You can’t stop yourself from scratching the spot where you have eczema.  This causes skin inflammation and the the top layer of your skin comes off. The area can weep like a graze and become infected.