Kaposi varicelliform eruption: an unusual presentation caused by varicella zoster virus in a healthy adult patient - a case report

Abstract Background Kaposi Varicelliform Eruptions (KVE), also known as eczema herpeticum, is a rare and potentially life-threatening dermatological condition primarily attributed to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, with less frequent involvement of Coxsackie A16, vaccinia, Varicella Zoster, an...

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Main Authors: Hassan El-Masry, Safia Essam, Hamed Gaber, Nour Shaheen, Ahmed Abdelbary, Naglaa Mohamed Sayed, Salma Samir Omar
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-02-01
Series:BMC Infectious Diseases
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-024-09115-4
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author Hassan El-Masry
Safia Essam
Hamed Gaber
Nour Shaheen
Ahmed Abdelbary
Naglaa Mohamed Sayed
Salma Samir Omar
author_facet Hassan El-Masry
Safia Essam
Hamed Gaber
Nour Shaheen
Ahmed Abdelbary
Naglaa Mohamed Sayed
Salma Samir Omar
author_sort Hassan El-Masry
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Kaposi Varicelliform Eruptions (KVE), also known as eczema herpeticum, is a rare and potentially life-threatening dermatological condition primarily attributed to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, with less frequent involvement of Coxsackie A16, vaccinia, Varicella Zoster, and smallpox viruses. Typically associated with pre-existing skin diseases, especially atopic dermatitis, KVE predominantly affects children but can manifest in healthy adults. Characterized by painful clusters of vesicles and sores on the skin and mucous membranes, it often masquerades as other dermatological disorders. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for pain relief and inflammation, though their potential role as KVE triggers remains uncertain. Case report Here, we present a case of an 18-year-old female with KVE attributed to Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) and successfully treated with oral acyclovir within a week, underscoring the significance of early recognition and intervention. KVE can manifest with systemic symptoms like fever, fatigue, and lymphadenopathy and may involve multiple organ systems, necessitating possible antibiotic use for complications. Conclusion This case underscores the importance of prompt KVE identification and consideration of antiviral therapy to enhance patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to elucidate predisposing factors for this rare condition.
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spelling doaj.art-41d4ce0ab3d24a1ca0a7d8ffb930edc22024-03-05T17:49:51ZengBMCBMC Infectious Diseases1471-23342024-02-012411510.1186/s12879-024-09115-4Kaposi varicelliform eruption: an unusual presentation caused by varicella zoster virus in a healthy adult patient - a case reportHassan El-Masry0Safia Essam1Hamed Gaber2Nour Shaheen3Ahmed Abdelbary4Naglaa Mohamed Sayed5Salma Samir Omar6Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria UniversityFaculty of Medicine, Alexandria UniversityFaculty of Medicine, Alexandria UniversityFaculty of Medicine, Alexandria UniversityDepartment of Dermatology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria UniversityDepartment of Dermatology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria UniversityDepartment of Dermatology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria UniversityAbstract Background Kaposi Varicelliform Eruptions (KVE), also known as eczema herpeticum, is a rare and potentially life-threatening dermatological condition primarily attributed to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, with less frequent involvement of Coxsackie A16, vaccinia, Varicella Zoster, and smallpox viruses. Typically associated with pre-existing skin diseases, especially atopic dermatitis, KVE predominantly affects children but can manifest in healthy adults. Characterized by painful clusters of vesicles and sores on the skin and mucous membranes, it often masquerades as other dermatological disorders. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for pain relief and inflammation, though their potential role as KVE triggers remains uncertain. Case report Here, we present a case of an 18-year-old female with KVE attributed to Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) and successfully treated with oral acyclovir within a week, underscoring the significance of early recognition and intervention. KVE can manifest with systemic symptoms like fever, fatigue, and lymphadenopathy and may involve multiple organ systems, necessitating possible antibiotic use for complications. Conclusion This case underscores the importance of prompt KVE identification and consideration of antiviral therapy to enhance patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to elucidate predisposing factors for this rare condition.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-024-09115-4Kaposi varicelliform eruptionsEczema herpeticumViral skin infectionNSAIDs
spellingShingle Hassan El-Masry
Safia Essam
Hamed Gaber
Nour Shaheen
Ahmed Abdelbary
Naglaa Mohamed Sayed
Salma Samir Omar
Kaposi varicelliform eruption: an unusual presentation caused by varicella zoster virus in a healthy adult patient - a case report
BMC Infectious Diseases
Kaposi varicelliform eruptions
Eczema herpeticum
Viral skin infection
NSAIDs
title Kaposi varicelliform eruption: an unusual presentation caused by varicella zoster virus in a healthy adult patient - a case report
title_full Kaposi varicelliform eruption: an unusual presentation caused by varicella zoster virus in a healthy adult patient - a case report
title_fullStr Kaposi varicelliform eruption: an unusual presentation caused by varicella zoster virus in a healthy adult patient - a case report
title_full_unstemmed Kaposi varicelliform eruption: an unusual presentation caused by varicella zoster virus in a healthy adult patient - a case report
title_short Kaposi varicelliform eruption: an unusual presentation caused by varicella zoster virus in a healthy adult patient - a case report
title_sort kaposi varicelliform eruption an unusual presentation caused by varicella zoster virus in a healthy adult patient a case report
topic Kaposi varicelliform eruptions
Eczema herpeticum
Viral skin infection
NSAIDs
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-024-09115-4
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