# Papulovesicular Riddle in an Atopic Individual

## TL;DR

This paper presents a case of a 19-year-old with atopic dermatitis who developed a severe skin infection misdiagnosed as impetigo.

## Contribution

The case highlights the importance of recognizing eczema herpeticum in atopic individuals to prevent severe complications.

## Key findings

- The patient presented with monomorphic vesicles and erosions typical of eczema herpeticum.
- Timely treatment with acyclovir is essential to avoid life-threatening outcomes.
- Misdiagnosis as impetigo can lead to severe complications.

## Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) characterized by pruritus and eczematous lesions makes individuals susceptible to various viral and bacterial infections. Eczema herpeticum (EH), also known as Kaposi's varicelliform eruption, is a severe herpes simplex virus infection that can be observed in individuals with AD. EH manifests with monomorphic vesicles and "punched-out" erosions accompanied by hemorrhagic crusts, primarily affecting eczematous areas. Misdiagnosis, often as impetigo, can lead to severe complications and even death. Timely diagnosis and treatment with acyclovir are crucial to avert these outcomes. Here we present a case of a 19-year-old male with AD who presented with a monomorphic vesicular rash.