Abby Tai, 37, has dealt with the itchy skin conditioneczemaalmost her entire life.
While her symptoms were usually pretty mild, she would occasionally have intense flare-ups.
it’s possible for you to think of it as a massive herpes outbreak on inflamed, compromised skin.
Amrita Marino
Eczema herpeticum can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, which is exactly what happened to Tai.
Heres her story, as told to health writer Maressa Brown.
Once I turned 30, however, that all changed.
Abby Tai
I sent him photos, but he struggled to pinpoint what it was.
I decided to try an urgent care walk-in clinic.
The doctor there thought it might befolliculitis, which is an infection of hair follicles.
That doc didnt treat me for it, assuming the issue would go away on its own.
It was uncomfortable to blink or even open my eye fully.
All the while, the clusters got more raw, irritated, and painful.
I remember thinking that I looked like a monster; I felt like my appearance would scare people.
Those things, along with having HSV-1, ultimately led to the outbreak.
I felt very relieved to know what was going on but was also worried.
The clusters were close to my eyes, so the derm was concerned about the risk of blindness.
My doctors prescribed antivirals and antibiotics to manage my symptoms.
That first outbreak lasted about two and a half weeks.
Finally, the blisters started to dry up, crust over, and flake off.
I didnt have another outbreak while pregnant, and, thankfully, my labor and delivery went smoothly.
After that point, though, I experienced recurring, monthly outbreaks of eczema herpeticum for a year.
While they were never as severe as the first one, I still had some issues.
If either of us accidentally did so, I would wash or disinfect his or my hands right away.
Now that Im in my late-30s, I only have mild flare-ups every few months.
(I treat them with l-lysine, which is sometimes used to manage herpes in general.)
I also prioritize self-care, and have learned the importance of reducing my stress and slowing down.
Im proud that I made it through that really difficult, wild ride.
