Eczema herpeticum in Darier's disease: a topical storm

Abstract

The occurrence of eczema herpeticum (EH) in patients with Darier's disease (DD) is a rare occurrence. It is considered a dermatologic emergency due to its high mortality rate if misdiagnosed or left untreated. Here, we present a case of a 42-year-old woman with a longstanding history of DD who presented with EH secondary to herpes simplex 1. Since the incidence of EH is now increasing in adults, we take this as an opportunity to raise awareness among clinicians on the importance of a timely diagnosis of EH and initiating prompt treatment so as to prevent or minimize complications.

Keywords

• Darier's disease'
• eczema herpeticum
• fatal
• herpes simplex
• rash
• Tzanck smear
• dermatologic emergency
• case report
• acyclovir