A child with atopic eczema develops a sudden spread of painful punched-out erosions with fever. What is the correct management?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Urgent aciclovir
- Step 1: Punched-out, monomorphic vesicles and erosions in eczema with fever suggest herpes simplex infection. Step 2. Eczema herpeticum can be life-threatening, so aciclovir is started promptly, with ophthalmic review if near the eye. Answer: Urgent aciclovir. Why not the others: Steroids would worsen a viral infection. Flucloxacillin treats bacterial infection only. Emollients and delay are unsafe.
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