Maja Krajnc
Dermatovenerološka klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Maja Starbek Zorko
Dermatovenerološka klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

Eczema coxsackium is a form of atypical hand, foot and mouth disease, most commonly caused by coxsackievirus A6 in individuals with cutaneous eczema. A disseminated vesiculobullous exanthema appears on healthy and/or previously affected skin. If clinically suspected, the diagnosis is confirmed by isolation of the virus from a skin swab using the PCR method. In the differential diagnosis, HSV and VZV infections and bullous impetigo must be excluded. Treatment is symptomatic. The prognosis is good. The article presents a case report of a thirteen-month-old boy with known atopic dermatitis, who was admitted to the Children’s Department of the Dermatology Clinic of the University Medical Centre Ljubljana due to an exacerbation of the underlying disease and an atypical exanthema. This case demonstrates the importance of recognising the clinical picture of eczema coxsackium as early diagnosis can prevent inappropriate treatment.

Key words: dermatology, child, eczema, hand, foot and mouth disease, coxsackievirus infection