Adults With Atopic Dermatitis and Herpes Simplex and Topical Therapy With Tacrolimus: What Kind of Prevention?

Eczema herpeticatum is well known as a complication associated with atopic dermatitis. We previously reported 2 cases that developed in adult patients during treatment of their atopic dermatitis with tacrolimus ointment.¹ In a 1-year open study in adult patients with atopic dermatitis who were treated with tacrolimus ointment, eczema herpeticatum was observed at low frequencies (1.8%), but the data were insufficient to establish a causal relationship.² Nevertheless, prevention is important, as the complication is potentially serious and may compromise a promising treatment alternative in a patient with atopic dermatitis.