A Case of Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Superimposed on Eczema Herpeticum in a Patient with Uncontrolled Atopic Dermatitis
- Author:
Yeon Seok LEE
1
;
Young Shin KIM
;
June Hyunkyung LEE
;
Jae Eun CHOI
;
Tae Young HAN
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2021;59(6):491-494
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Eczema herpeticum is a widespread herpes simplex infection that favors eczema-damaged skin, including skin involved with atopic dermatitis. Here we report a case of a 27-year-old woman who presented with febrile, painful, punched-out, erosive, macular eruptions and crusts on her face, upper trunk, and antecubital fossae. Polymerase chain reaction analyses of the blood and skin lesions were positive for type 1 herpes simplex virus, and blood cultures established on admission showed methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. She was diagnosed with bacteremia superimposed on eczema herpeticum. True bacteremia rather than contaminated blood cultures was suspected because her fever did not improve after 2 days despite the administration of antivirals. Repeated scratches to the lesional skin most likely aggravated the epidermal barrier damage, enabling the penetration of the dermal vessels by colonized S. aureus.
