How do contact dermatitis and herpes differ in their causes and symptoms. What are the main characteristics that distinguish these two skin conditions. Can contact dermatitis and herpes be mistaken for each other. How contagious are contact dermatitis versus herpes.

Understanding Contact Dermatitis and Herpes: An Overview

When faced with a red, irritated skin rash, many people automatically assume it’s a form of dermatitis. However, skin conditions can have various causes and manifestations, making it crucial to distinguish between different types. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between contact dermatitis and herpes, two common but distinct skin conditions that can sometimes be confused.

Defining Contact Dermatitis and Herpes

To understand the differences between these conditions, it’s essential to first define them clearly:

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen. It falls under the broader category of dermatitis, which includes several types:

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Diaper dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic dermatitis
• Perioral/Periorificial dermatitis
• Stasis dermatitis
• Neurodermatitis
• Nummular dermatitis

The most common symptoms of contact dermatitis include itchy, dry skin and red rashes. In some cases, it may cause blistering, oozing, crusting, or skin flaking.

Herpes

Herpes refers to a group of viral infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two main types:

1. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1): Typically associated with oral herpes, causing cold sores or fever blisters.
2. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2): Usually associated with genital herpes, causing sores on or around the genitals.

It’s important to note that both types can affect either area of the body. Herpes zoster, which causes chickenpox and shingles, is another form of herpes virus but is distinct from HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Causes of Contact Dermatitis vs Herpes

Understanding the causes of these conditions is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment:

Causes of Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to an irritant or allergen. Common causes include:

• Exposure to irritants like poison ivy, perfumes, lotions, or nickel jewelry
• Environmental factors such as tobacco smoke or air pollutants
• Genetic predisposition
• Immune system dysregulation
• Dry skin
• Bacterial infections
• Stress

Do certain occupations increase the risk of contact dermatitis? Yes, people in professions that involve frequent exposure to irritants or allergens, such as hairdressers, healthcare workers, or mechanics, may be at higher risk for developing contact dermatitis.

Causes of Herpes

Herpes is caused by viral infection. The primary causes are:

• HSV-1: Often transmitted through oral-to-oral contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils
• HSV-2: Typically spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex

Can herpes be transmitted without visible symptoms? Yes, herpes can be transmitted even when no visible sores are present, a phenomenon known as asymptomatic shedding.

Symptoms: How to Differentiate Contact Dermatitis from Herpes

While both conditions can cause skin irritation, their symptoms differ in several key ways:

Contact Dermatitis Symptoms

• Itchy, dry skin
• Red rashes
• Flaking or scaling skin
• Thickened skin
• Swollen skin with rashes (color may vary depending on skin tone)
• Blisters that may ooze and crust
• Bumps in hair follicles

Herpes Symptoms

• Tingling, itching, or burning sensation before sores appear
• Painful sores or blisters
• Difficulty urinating (in cases of genital herpes)
• Vaginal discharge
• Tender lumps in the groin area
• Flu-like symptoms during initial outbreaks
• Potential eye infections

Is it possible to have herpes without experiencing symptoms? Yes, some people infected with herpes may be asymptomatic, meaning they carry the virus without showing any visible signs or symptoms.

Communicability: Is It Contagious?

One of the most significant differences between contact dermatitis and herpes lies in their communicability:

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is not contagious. It cannot be transmitted from person to person through physical contact or any other means. However, the allergen or irritant that caused the dermatitis in one person could potentially cause a reaction in another if they come into contact with it.

Herpes

Herpes is highly contagious. It can be transmitted through various forms of physical contact:

• Sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral)
• Skin-to-skin contact with infected areas
• Kissing (for oral herpes)
• Sharing personal items like towels or razors (less common)

When is herpes most contagious? Herpes is most contagious when blisters or sores are visible, but it can also be transmitted when no symptoms are present due to asymptomatic viral shedding.

Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches

Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of both contact dermatitis and herpes:

Diagnosing and Treating Contact Dermatitis

Diagnosis of contact dermatitis typically involves:

• Physical examination of the affected area
• Review of medical history and potential exposures
• Patch testing to identify specific allergens

Treatment options for contact dermatitis may include:

• Avoiding known irritants or allergens
• Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Oral antihistamines for itching
• Moisturizers to soothe and protect the skin
• In severe cases, oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressants

Diagnosing and Treating Herpes

Herpes diagnosis often involves:

• Visual examination of sores
• Viral culture or PCR test of fluid from blisters
• Blood tests to detect antibodies

Treatment for herpes typically includes:

• Antiviral medications to reduce severity and frequency of outbreaks
• Pain relievers for discomfort
• Topical creams to soothe affected areas
• Lifestyle changes to manage triggers and reduce transmission risk

Can herpes be cured completely? While there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can effectively manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Prevention Strategies for Contact Dermatitis and Herpes

Although these conditions differ significantly, both can be prevented to some extent:

Preventing Contact Dermatitis

• Identify and avoid known allergens or irritants
• Use protective gear (gloves, long sleeves) when handling potential irritants
• Keep skin moisturized to maintain its protective barrier
• Use hypoallergenic products when possible
• Practice good hand hygiene

Preventing Herpes Transmission

• Practice safe sex, including using condoms and dental dams
• Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels or razors
• Take antiviral medications as prescribed to reduce viral shedding
• Communicate openly with sexual partners about herpes status

Is it possible to completely prevent herpes transmission? While no method is 100% effective, consistent use of preventive measures significantly reduces the risk of herpes transmission.

Long-term Management and Quality of Life

Both contact dermatitis and herpes can have long-term impacts on an individual’s quality of life, but proper management can minimize these effects:

Living with Contact Dermatitis

Long-term management of contact dermatitis often involves:

• Ongoing identification and avoidance of triggers
• Regular use of moisturizers and emollients
• Stress management techniques
• Potential dietary changes if food allergies are involved
• Regular follow-ups with a dermatologist

Can contact dermatitis recur even after successful treatment? Yes, contact dermatitis can recur if the person is re-exposed to the triggering allergen or irritant. Consistent avoidance and skin care are key to preventing recurrences.

Living with Herpes

Long-term management of herpes typically includes:

• Consistent use of antiviral medications
• Recognizing and managing outbreak triggers
• Maintaining overall health to support immune function
• Practicing safe sex and open communication with partners
• Seeking psychological support if needed to cope with the emotional impact

How often do herpes outbreaks typically occur? The frequency of herpes outbreaks varies greatly among individuals. Some people may experience frequent outbreaks, while others may have very few or none. Over time, outbreaks often become less frequent and less severe.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While both contact dermatitis and herpes can often be managed at home, there are situations where medical attention is necessary:

Contact Dermatitis

Seek medical help if:

• The rash is severe or widespread
• There are signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, pus)
• The rash doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatments
• The rash interferes with daily activities or sleep
• You suspect the rash is caused by a new medication

Herpes

Consult a healthcare provider if:

• You suspect you’ve been exposed to herpes
• You experience symptoms for the first time
• Outbreaks are severe or frequent
• Sores don’t heal within two weeks
• You’re pregnant and have herpes or think you’ve been exposed
• You develop flu-like symptoms along with herpes symptoms

Can complications arise if herpes is left untreated? Yes, untreated herpes can lead to complications such as increased risk of HIV transmission, potential spread to other parts of the body, and in rare cases, complications during pregnancy.

In conclusion, while contact dermatitis and herpes may both cause skin irritation, they are distinct conditions with different causes, symptoms, and management strategies. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. If you’re unsure about a skin condition, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

What Makes One Distinct From Another?

Medically reviewed by Jezreel Esguerra, MD · General Practitioner

Written by Fiel Tugade · Updated Apr 29

When a red rash kicks in, people easily associate it with the most common type of skin problem – dermatitis. But more often than not, it could mean something else, especially when it involves other causes or triggers. This article helps you distinguish whether it is dermatitis or herpes that is shown through the following characterization. 

Dermatitis or Herpes: Definition

Dermatitis

While it is true that dermatitis is a broad term that refers to any type of skin inflammation, it still brings differential characteristics from that of another skin condition, such as herpes. 

Dermatitis has several types which include the following: 

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Contact dermatitis
• Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff, cradle cap)
• Diaper dermatitis (rash)
• Dyshidrotic dermatitis
• Perioral/Periorificial dermatitis
• Stasis dermatitis
• Neurodermatitis
• Nummular dermatitis

Moreover, it also has a variety of causes and manifestations, but the most common ones are itchy dry skin, and red rashes. Alternatively, it may cause the skin to blister, ooze, crust, or flake off. 

Herpes, on the other hand, anchors a group of viruses that form painful blisters and lesions on the skin. The most common ones are herpes zoster and herpes simplex virus. The former causes the appearance of chickenpox and shingles, whereas the latter has two different types: type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2).

Type 1 (oral herpes) often displays symptoms like cold sores or fever blisters. Meanwhile, type 2 (genital herpes) is characterized by genital sores (sexual organs). However, having both type 2 on the genitals and type 1 around the mouth is also plausible.

Dermatitis or Herpes: Causes

One can characterize dermatitis if you came in contact with an irritant that causes an allergic reaction. Oftentimes, these reactions may show up due to poison ivy, perfumes, lotions, or jewelry made of nickel. 

Dry skin, a viral infection, bacteria, stress, genetic composition, and immune system concerns are some of the other reasons for dermatitis.

• Exposure. Chemicals and other substances can induce some types of dermatitis. 
• Environmental factors. Your immune system may modify your skin’s protective barrier as a result of your surroundings. Consequently, more moisture escapes, which can contribute to developing dermatitis. Exposure to tobacco smoking and other air pollutants are some possible environmental causes.
• Genetics. According to studies, if someone in your family has dermatitis, you’re more likely to get it as well. Further research also explains the reason behind such genetic changes through the discovery of a protein. This protein is responsible for helping your body maintain good skin.
• Immune system. Your immune system can sometimes react to seemingly little irritants or allergens if you have atopic dermatitis. As a result, it could cause inflammation in the said area.

Your age, occupation, and other health conditions are common risk factors for dermatitis.

As mentioned, herpes is a common viral infection that a person can get through the specific herpes simplex viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2. 

It is common for infants or children to get type 1 from contact with an adult who also has it. The adult can infect another person without having visible sores. On the other hand, a person can contract the second type of virus through sexual contact.

Dermatitis or Herpes: Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of any skin infection may exhibit differently from person to person, but some common ones for dermatitis are as follows:

• Itchiness
• Dry skin
• Flaking skin (like dandruff)
• Thickened skin
• Rashes on swollen skin (varies in color depending on your skin color)
• Blisters (sometimes with oozing and crusting)
• Bumps in hair follicles

The herpes virus may infect people but they may not see or feel anything from it. A person may experience the following if signs or symptoms eventually arise:

• Tingling, itching, or burning sensation
• Painful sores
• Urinating problems
• Vaginal discharge
• Tender lumps in the groin area
• Flu-like symptoms
• Eye infection

Your doctor will be the one to confirm whether or not you have contracted the virus.  

Dermatitis or Herpes: Communicability

Although it can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable, dermatitis is a non-contagious skin condition. However, herpes is a different case. The virus that causes genital herpes is most commonly transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. A break in your skin can allow the virus to enter your body. It can also get into your body through the skin of your mouth, your penis, your vaginal opening, your urinary tract opening, or your anus.

When blisters or sores are visible on the individual, herpes is most likely to spread from person to person. It can, however, be spread at any moment, even if the individual with herpes is symptom-free. 

Herpes can also be transmitted from one part of the body to the next. You can spread the infection to your fingers if you touch sores on your genitals. You can then spread it to other parts of your body, such as your mouth or eyes.

Key Takeaway

It is only your doctor who can make a clear distinction and differential diagnosis for dermatitis and herpes. Consult your doctor if you suspect yourself to have either one of these.

Learn more about dermatitis here. 

Disclaimer

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Dermatitis, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4089-dermatitis Accessed November 14, 2021 

Dermatitis, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20352380 Accessed November 14, 2021

Herpes, https://familydoctor.org/condition/herpes/ Accessed November 14, 2021

Herpes Simplex – Signs and Symptoms, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/herpes-simplex-symptoms Accessed November 14, 2021

Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet, https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm Accessed November 14, 2021 

Current Version

04/29/2023

Written by Fiel Tugade

Medically reviewed by Jezreel Esguerra, MD

Updated by: Jezreel Esguerra, MD

How To Tell if You Have Eczema, Herpes, or Eczema Herpeticum
– Luminance Red

Even with Google’s infinite medical insight at our fingertips, it’s still difficult and confusing to identify the exact cause of skin conditions like rashes, bumps and ulcers. Many conditions have similar symptoms or look nothing like their pictures online. 

If you’re currently dealing with a mysterious — and uncomfortable — skin irritation, you may feel worried or frightened about the underlying cause. Learn more about common conditions like herpes, eczema, and eczema herpeticum to narrow down the possibilities. 

What Is Herpes?

Herpes is a family of more than 100 known viruses, but only a handful can infect humans. The two most common herpes viruses are herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

Luminance RED makes two devices specifically designed to help manage each type of herpes infection with light therapy: the Luminance RED Lip Sore Treatment Device and the Genital Sore Treatment Device.

HSV-1 (Oral Herpes)

HSV-1, most commonly known as oral herpes, spreads through direct contact with skin or bodily fluids. It causes cold sores to develop around the lips and mouth. This virus is highly contagious, especially when oozing blisters are present.  

Cold sores caused by HSV-1 progress through five distinct phases: tingling, blistering, weeping, crusting and healing.

You can recognize your skin condition as oral herpes if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Tingling of the lips before a sore develops
• Small blisters on the lips that become filled with fluid
• Enlarged blisters that burst and crust over
• Dry, crusty, scabbing blisters on the lips and mouth

HSV-2 (Genital Herpes)

HSV-2, more commonly known as genital herpes, is a sexually transmitted infection without a known cure. According to the World Health Organization, 491 million people aged 15-49 worldwide have an HSV-2 infection. 

The most common sign of genital herpes is the development of small red, yellow, or white bumps or blisters around the genitals. They’re often itchy and painful as they fill with a clear or yellow liquid and then burst. Once genital herpes blisters burst, they develop a yellow crust and slowly heal. 

Other symptoms may act as early warning signs before a person’s first genital herpes outbreak:

• Difficult or painful urination
• Swollen glands in the pelvic area
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Tingling sensation in the affected areas

Most people experience their first outbreak two to 12 days after initial exposure to the virus. After the blisters break, it may take up to four weeks for herpes ulcers to heal. 

What Is Eczema? 

Eczema is a dermatological condition that causes patches of skin to become itchy, inflamed and cracked. It’s a common issue that affects more than 30 million people in the U.S., including infants, children and adults. There is no cure for eczema, but many people can control eczema outbreaks by adjusting their diet and using home care techniques. 

You may have eczema if your skin condition includes the following symptoms:

• Itching.
• Rashes that develop scales
• Rashes that appear in the creases of the elbows or knees, or at nape of the neck
• Rashes that cover a wide portion of the body
• Very dry skin in the affected areas
• Skin inflammation and infection

In severe cases, eczema irritates the skin so much that open, crusted sores develop.

Eczema or Herpes: How Can You Tell the Difference?

It’s often easy to distinguish between eczema and herpes because of their distinctly different symptoms. While herpes triggers defined blisters that burst and scab over, usually around the mouth or genitals, eczema causes rough, dry rashes in other areas of the body. 

To distinguish between herpes and severe eczema that has produced open sores, consider the symptoms that occurred before the sores appeared and the location of the sores. 

Types of Herpes Rashes

There’s nothing worse than watching a red, itchy, uncomfortable rash developing on your body, especially if you have no idea what it is, or how it got there. Herpes could be the root cause of your rash, so watch for the telltale signs. 

Herpes Gladiatorum

Herpes gladiatorum is a form of herpes that causes a rash to develop on the body. Also known as “herpes rugbiorum” and “mat herpes,” it’s a highly contagious and common skin infection caused by HSV-1. Herpes gladiatorum is commonly transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, particularly in contact sports. 

Since herpes gladiatorum is a type of herpes infection, it doesn’t currently have a cure. Instead, the herpes virus remains dormant in the nerve cells until a trigger reactivates the virus and causes an outbreak. It may lie inactive for weeks, months or even years.

Once herpes gladiatorum infects your skin cells and begins replicating within the skin membrane, the following symptoms may develop:

• Clusters of fluid-filled blisters
• Grouped blisters along the neck, chest, face, stomach and legs
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Headache

These symptoms can last two to three weeks before subsiding. The initial outbreak is often more intense and pronounced than subsequent future outbreaks. 

A rash caused by herpes gladiatorum should be treated similarly to a standard HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. Antiviral medication offers a simple way to control and minimize outbreaks. Acyclovir and valacyclovir are prescription antiviral medications used to treat infections caused by herpes simplex viruses. 

Eczema Herpeticum

Eczema herpeticum occurs when skin affected by eczema becomes infected with HSV-1, most commonly through contact with a person’s cold sore. People with eczema and other inflammatory skin diseases are more susceptible to skin infections and may need to take extra care to avoid this condition. 

It’s important to distinguish eczema herpeticum from other forms of herpes and atopic dermatitis. This herpes rash appears mainly on the face and neck, though it may also develop on the hands in people with atopic dermatitis. Eczema herpeticum is more widespread and can be erosive. Visible symptoms include:

• Clusters of small, itchy, painful blisters
• Blisters that ooze pus when broken
• Blisters that appear dark purple, black or red

Just like herpes itself, eczema herpeticum sometimes causes other physical symptoms such as high fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and general discomfort.

Eczema herpeticum is a serious condition that requires medical attention and treatment with antiviral medication. Without treatment, serious complications may occur, including scarring, organ failure, and an infection and inflammation of the cornea known as herpetic keratitis.

If you’re experiencing a rash and are unsure of the cause, the safest course of action is to see a doctor. They can test you for more serious conditions like eczema herpeticum and prescribe any medications necessary.

Viral dermatosis, treatment at the Poem Zdorovya clinic

One of the most common skin diseases, with more than 100 types described in modern medicine. In the MBC classification, they received a code from B00.0 to B00.9. The disease is caused by two types of herpes simplex virus HSV-1 and HSV-2. The first is manifested by a rash on the edge of the lips, sometimes it can appear on the wings of the nose, the second affects the mucous membrane of the genitals.

The virus affects people of all ages and is less common in adults than in children. At the same time, 90% of people upon reaching the age of 18 are observed to be infected with one of the forms of herpes, but with stable immunity it does not manifest itself until favorable conditions occur.

Infection is transmitted:

• sexually;
• through mucous membranes, eg by kissing;
• when using shared utensils and personal hygiene items;
• airborne.

The virus is also transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy and after birth. However, in the first year of life, the disease does not develop, because with breast milk the child receives antibodies that create immunity in his body, which decreases by 2 years. Therefore, children aged 2 – 3 years are more likely to get sick.

Herpes simplex dermatoses

HSV infections are quite common. The fact is that once it enters the body, the virus settles in it for a long time, sometimes for life, while not showing itself until the onset of favorable conditions, which can be such reasons as:

• hypothermia;
• overheating in the sun;
• pregnancy;
• infectious diseases;
• reduced immunity;
• stress.

The disease is manifested by the following symptoms. On the edge of the lips, often in the corners, small bubbles, 1-3 mm in size, filled with a clear liquid appear. Their number can reach 10 or more, and sometimes several pieces are merged into one multi-chamber, which has scalloped edges. After a few days, the liquid becomes cloudy. If the bubbles are not opened or rubbed, they will soon dry out, turning into a yellowish-gray crust. It will fall off in 5-6 days. Otherwise, if the integrity of the bubbles is damaged, a bright red sore is formed in their place.

The rash is accompanied by a burning sensation, itching. The skin around the bubbles is tense. Some patients have an increase in body temperature up to 38-39 degrees, general malaise, muscle aches.

If herpes appears up to 5 times during the year, then there is no cause for concern, but if relapses are frequent, then treatment should be started immediately.

When characteristic rashes appear on the lips, it is necessary to separate the dishes and personal hygiene items so as not to infect relatives and family members.

Genital herpes is characterized by localization of blisters in the genital area. This type of disease is transmitted during intimacy, even when there are no manifestations in the infected partner, and he is a passive carrier.

Treatment of herpetic dermatitis

The disease responds well to therapy if you start using antiviral ointments and alcohol tinctures at the first manifestations of symptoms, even before the formation of blisters. At this stage, you can notice a slight redness on the lips and a feeling of itching. Effective preparations are acyclovir, zovirax, which should be applied to the affected areas 6-7 times a day.

Recurrent viral dermatosis is more difficult to treat. Vaccination is done to prevent it.

Herpes zoster

The causes of this type of disease have not yet been precisely established. But the similarity of the virus with the causative agent of chickenpox was noted.

This type of herpes is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Bubble formations with a clear liquid appear on the skin, but unlike herpes simplex, their localization may be different. They are located on the places where the nerve fibers lie, appear on the face in the area of ​​​​the ears, forehead and eyes, as well as on the body and on the skin of the abdomen, lower back, thighs, buttocks.
• The patient feels itching, severe pain in the area of ​​the rash.
• If the bubbles are concentrated on the face, in some cases there is a partial paralysis of the mimic muscles.

Treatment requires internal administration of Acyclovir. Outwardly, those drugs are prescribed that are used in the treatment of herpes simplex. The patient’s condition can be alleviated by taking paracetamol, nurofen or nimesil.

Warts

This anomaly is caused by some types of HPV.

Manifested by the formation on the skin of solid formations of a flesh-colored or darker color, sometimes pink. Their localization depends on the type of virus. Warts can form on the fingers, the back of the hands, on the legs, rarely appear on the lips. Some types of dermatitis cause a rash on the soles and palms.

The rash is a dense round formation covered with tiny scales. Inside, a papilla is visible, surrounded by keratinized skin. In the genital area, the rash differs in shape, which resembles a head of cauliflower – these are the so-called pointed papillomas.

Treatment consists of antiviral ointments, but this therapy has been noted to be ineffective. Therefore, more often they resort to the removal of formations through various instrumental methods. Freezing was preferred in the past. Today, electrocoagulation and laser cauterization are more often used.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molitor hominis is the causative agent of this form of viral dermatosis. The disease occurs in patients of any age. You can become infected through contact with a sick person infected with the virus. There is a high probability of catching the disease in the sauna, public bath, in the pool. It is also easy to get sexually transmitted. Molluscum contagiosum is more common in HIV-infected people.

A symptom of the disease is a rash in the form of pearl or ashy formations, the size of which can reach 0.5 cm. Their localization is due to the place of contact with the skin of a sick person, therefore, when infected sexually, the rash is more often observed in the perineum and genitals.

If such formations are found on the body, it is necessary to consult a doctor, since molluscum contagiosum is easily confused with other skin diseases. However, the diagnosis is mainly based on the examination of the patient, assessment of the appearance of the formations. If the type of rash cannot be established, a biopsy is performed. Only an experienced dermatologist is able to differentiate the disease and prescribe an adequate treatment. Since molluscum contagiosum often occurs in the presence of immunodeficiency, the doctor may send the patient for an HIV blood test.

Basically, the disease does not require treatment and goes away on its own, although it lasts for quite a long time. Immunity boosters are prescribed. If recovery does not occur after several months or even a year, then surgical methods of treatment are used. This is electrocoagulation, excision or freezing with liquid nitrogen.

Factors contributing to the development of viral dermatoses are:

• Reduced immunity.
• Avitaminosis.
• Vegetative neuroses.
• Stress.

And infection occurs in different ways, then doctors recommend, for the purpose of prevention, to be attentive to personal hygiene, monitor general health, and prevent a decrease in immunity. Avoid close contact with infected people whenever possible.

Exacerbation of severe atopic dermatitis | Treatment stories of EMC

patients

We are talking about our patient, who experienced an exacerbation of severe atopic dermatitis during a seaside vacation.

Shortly before leaving, she developed herpes on her lips. Upon arrival at the sea, the temperature rose, chills, headaches appeared. Multiple small grouped rashes appeared on the chest and neck. The patient could not sleep, any movement of the head and touching the rash caused pain.

She applied for an online consultation with Dr. Yuri Khaliulin, sent a photo of the rashes. The doctor assessed the complication of atopic dermatitis as localized Kaposi’s herpetiform eczema, suggested hospitalization at the place of rest, or treatment: injection of a long-acting corticosteroid, high-dose valaciclovir and antihistamines, externally – a solution with an antiseptic.

The patient took these recommendations to the local doctor and began treatment. The general condition improved, the temperature returned to normal.

The patient returned to Moscow 2 days after the online treatment and immediately came to the EMC. On examination, no new lesions were found. We conducted a survey that included a general blood test with ESR, blood biochemistry, antibodies to the herpes virus. The level of antibodies against herpes simplex virus type 1 was very high. The rest of the parameters are normal. The results confirmed the correctness of the remote diagnosis and prescribed treatment.

The patient’s condition improved significantly, 7 days after the online consultation, the skin condition returned to normal.

The patient made the right decision in this case. Instead of self-treatment, she used an online consultation through the EMC mobile application. Improper treatment could aggravate the situation. For example, the use of corticosteroids without an antiviral drug could lead to the spread of a herpes infection up to life-threatening herpes sepsis.