Eczema Vaccinatum
Thankfully, it is a rare form of eczema. Eczema vaccinatum occurs when the body reacts violently and severely to the smallpox vaccination. There are cases of the condition being fatal, and survivors usually have severe scarring.
Symptoms
Eczema vaccinatum usually occurs in individuals, even infants, who have a history of eczema in any form (especially atopic dermatitis). The symptoms are readily identifiable—severe and widespread infection of the skin characterized by crusting, intense rashes, swelling, blistering, and rashes. Usually, the infection of vaccinia is accompanied by fever and widespread edema.
Causes
Those who are at increased risk are individuals with any skin disease. Since vaccinia can be transferred from one non-infected individual to an at-risk individual, those who have vaccinia or have recently received smallpox vaccination should avoid all contact with those who have a history of eczema. Tragic incidents have occurred in which a family member, after receiving a vaccination against smallpox, have inadvertently affected members of their family.
Treatment
In order to be successful, treatment must be immediate and professionally administered. An intensive care regiment of antibiotics, fluid replacement, powerful painkillers, and fever-reducing medications are administered at high levels. In some cases, antiviral drugs, and Vaccinia Immune Globulin could be an effective form of treatment. Individuals who have a history of eczema should never receive the smallpox vaccination.
Complications
As mentioned, sometimes eczema vaccinatum results in death, especially among infants and the elderly. Because of the severe damage inflicted upon the skin, scarring and painful lesions develop, which could result in infection.
