The outbreak led me to get in contact with a dermatologist I had not too long ago interviewed for The Eczema Podcast, which I created. I despatched him pictures, however he struggled to pinpoint what it was. I made a decision to attempt an pressing care walk-in clinic. The physician there thought it could be folliculitis, which is an an infection of hair follicles. That doc didn’t deal with me for it, assuming the problem would go away by itself. As the times progressed, nonetheless, the bumps grew into massive clusters and unfold to my eyelid, inflicting it to look infected and puffy. It was uncomfortable to blink and even open my eye absolutely. I made a decision to attempt one other walk-in clinic that week, the place I used to be informed it was both an allergic response or pimples.

All of the whereas, the clusters received extra uncooked, irritated, and painful. I keep in mind considering that I appeared like a monster; I felt like my look would scare individuals. A few week after these misdiagnoses, I went to my household physician, who then referred me to a dermatologist. When she noticed my pores and skin, the very first thing she stated was, “Oh, that is undoubtedly eczema herpeticum.” She stated my immune system was compromised from the stress I used to be experiencing each on account of being pregnant and my job. These issues, together with having HSV-1, finally led to the outbreak. I felt very relieved to know what was occurring, however was additionally anxious. The clusters had been near my eyes, so the derm was involved in regards to the danger of blindness.

My docs prescribed antivirals and antibiotics to handle my signs. Though I used to be involved in regards to the impact they’d have on my child, they reassured me the medicine had been pregnancy-safe. That first outbreak lasted about two and a half weeks. Nevertheless, my pores and skin nonetheless appeared fairly tough as I recovered—my husband had to assist me put medicine on as a result of I couldn’t even look within the mirror. Lastly, the blisters began to dry up, crust over, and flake off.

I didn’t have one other outbreak whereas pregnant, and, fortunately, my labor and supply went easily. After that time, although, I skilled recurring, month-to-month outbreaks of eczema herpeticum for a yr. Whereas they had been by no means as extreme as the primary one, I nonetheless had some points. As an illustration, one eyelid appeared totally completely different than the opposite at one level—I couldn’t put make-up on as a result of it was too uncomfortable. Throughout an outbreak, I additionally tried to keep away from spreading the virus to my son, doing my finest to forestall him from touching my face. If both of us unintentionally did so, I’d wash or disinfect his or my arms straight away. [HSV-1 can be very serious in newborns and is the reason you shouldn’t ever kiss a baby with an active infection, especially if you have a cold sore.]

Now that I’m in my late-30s, I solely have delicate flare-ups each few months. (I deal with them with l-lysine, which is usually used to handle herpes typically.) I additionally prioritize self-care, and have realized the significance of lowering my stress and slowing down. It’s straightforward to get within the grind of working lots, however you must maintain your self and your therapeutic first. If I don’t try this, I can’t maintain my youngsters, together with the youngest, who additionally has eczema.

I’m proud that I made it via that actually troublesome, wild trip. I’m additionally grateful to have been capable of persevere and have the power to maintain going and push via it even when my signs had been traumatic and scary. In gentle of my expertise, I encourage anybody else going through eczema herpeticum to verify they’ve good help, belief their judgment, and do not forget that they’re nonetheless stunning.

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