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Herpesviral vesicular dermatitis

ICD10CM code
#### Name of the Condition
- Herpesviral vesicular dermatitis
- Also known as herpes simplex dermatitis

#### Summary
Herpesviral vesicular dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of small, painful blisters or vesicles on the skin, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It commonly affects areas of the body such as the face, genitals, and other regions, leading to discomfort and sometimes itching.

#### Causes
This condition is caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus, primarily HSV-1 or HSV-2. The infection occurs through direct contact with the virus, which may be present in cold sores, genital sores, or asymptomatic shedding from mucosal surfaces.

#### Risk Factors
- Close contact with an infected person.
- Weakened immune system.
- Stress or illness that can trigger an outbreak in someone with HSV.
- Having unprotected sexual contact.

#### Symptoms
- Formation of small, fluid-filled blisters on the skin.
- Pain or itching at the site of the outbreak.
- Fever and malaise during initial infection.
- Possible recurrence triggered by stress, illness, or sun exposure.

#### Diagnosis
- Clinical evaluation of skin lesions.
- Viral culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests from blister fluid.
- Blood tests for HSV antibodies in some cases.

#### Treatment Options
- Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir help reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks.
- Pain relief through analgesics or topical creams.
- Good personal hygiene to manage symptoms and prevent the spread.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Generally, the condition can be managed effectively with treatment.
- Recurrences may occur, especially during times of stress or illness.
- Regular follow-up may be needed to adjust therapy and manage outbreaks.

#### Complications
- Secondary bacterial infections of the skin.
- Ocular herpes if the virus spreads to the eyes.
- Severe outbreaks in people with weakened immune systems.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Avoid direct contact with lesions.
- Use protection during sexual activity to prevent transmission.
- Manage stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce outbreak frequency.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Severe outbreaks or if new symptoms develop.
- Symptoms do not improve with standard treatment.
- Eye symptoms, which require immediate medical attention.

#### Additional Resources
- American Academy of Dermatology: [www.aad.org](https://www.aad.org)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): [www.cdc.gov/herpes](https://www.cdc.gov/herpes)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure correct coding by confirming the diagnosis with clinical and laboratory findings.
- Be aware of similar conditions that may be coded differently.
- Avoid coding errors by checking for the specific type of HSV involved.

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