Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rare medical complication: Eczema vaccinatum is a severe, now uncommon adverse reaction that occurs when the vaccinia virus (the virus used in smallpox vaccination) infects skin already affected by atopic dermatitis (eczema). This condition is characterized by high fever and a widespread eruption of vesicles (small fluid-filled blisters) and papulovesicles (small, solid or fluid-filled bumps).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient's history of atopic dermatitis put him at risk for developing eczema vaccinatum after exposure to the vaccine.
  • Due to the global eradication of smallpox and changes in vaccination practices, cases of eczema vaccinatum are now extremely rare.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Context: The term is used almost exclusively in medical literature, historical public health discussions, and dermatology to describe this specific, serious complication.
  • The differential diagnosis included a severe viral exanthem and eczema vaccinatum.

Variants and Related Words

• Eczema herpeticum (n): A similar, potentially life-threatening skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus in individuals with atopic dermatitis.
  • The rash's appearance was more consistent with eczema herpeticum than eczema vaccinatum.

Synonyms

• Vaccinia eczema: An older, synonymous term.
• Generalized vaccinia: A related but distinct complication where the vaccinia virus spreads to cause lesions on otherwise normal skin, not specifically eczematous skin.

Notes on Meaning

• This term refers specifically to a complication from the virus. It is not a general term for any skin infection complicating eczema.
• Its usage is largely historical or cautionary in modern medicine, as routine smallpox vaccination ceased after the disease was eradicated.

Noun

1. a now rare complication of vaccinia superimposed on atopic dermatitis with high fever and generalized vesicles and papulovesicles