A 4-year-old boy with poorly controlled atopic dermatitis suddenly develops clusters of punched-out erosions, vesicles, and fever. Viral culture confirms herpes simplex virus. What is this complication called?

• A Pemphigus foliaceus
• B Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• C Kaposi varicelliform eruption ✓
• D Gianotti-Crosti syndrome

Explanation

Disseminated cutaneous herpes simplex infection superimposed on atopic dermatitis is called eczema herpeticum or Kaposi varicelliform eruption, presenting with grouped vesicles, punched-out erosions, pain, and fever, requiring systemic acyclovir. Gianotti-Crosti is a papular acrodermatitis of childhood linked to viral infections, not HSV dissemination within eczematous skin.

Reference: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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