valacyclovir and Dermatitis--Atopic

Topics: Acyclovir; Administration, Oral; Antiviral Agents; Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption; Male; Ointments; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome; Valacyclovir; Valine; Vidarabine; Young Adult

Topics: Acyclovir; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Antiviral Agents; Dermatitis, Atopic; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption; Male; Middle Aged; Simplexvirus; Skin; Tacrolimus; Valacyclovir; Valine

Tacrolimus ointment 0.1 percent is a well-established topical therapy for treating atopic dermatitis. Efficacy and safety have been described in several trials. Here, we present a patient with rapid onset of extensive varicella zoster infection in tacrolimus-treated skin: a side effect that has only occasionally been reported. Early recognition is important because rapid treatment for herpes zoster may lead to less frequent post-herpetic neuralgia and serious complications.

Topics: Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dermatologic Agents; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Fusidic Acid; Herpes Zoster; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Middle Aged; Ointments; Tacrolimus; Treatment Outcome; Valacyclovir; Valine

A 35-year-old woman with a history of atopic diathesis presented to the emergency department with 2 weeks of widespread facial vesiculopustules and eroded vesicles. HSV-1 was found on viral culture and direct fluorescent antibody testing. She was diagnosed with eczema herpeticum, an uncommon and potentially life-threatening viral infection that arises in areas of pre-existing dermatosis. Antiviral treatment for eczema herpeticum is very effective, and should be instituted without delay to avoid significant morbidity and mortality.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adult; Antiviral Agents; Codeine; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatitis, Atopic; Diagnostic Errors; Disease Susceptibility; Facial Dermatoses; Female; Floxacillin; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Humans; Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption; Morphine; Prednisone; Respiratory Hypersensitivity; Staphylococcal Skin Infections; Valacyclovir; Valine