Cutaneous dissemination of herpes simplex virus in individuals fifteen years of age and older.

We have reported the case histories of two individuals with underlying atopic dermatitis who developed extensive vesicular eruptions. In both cases herpes simplex virus type l was isolated from skin lesions and both individuals ultimately recovered. These two cases represent only the third and fourth instances of this syndrome proven to be caused by herpes simplex virus type l that have been reported in older individuals. In addition we have reviewed the literature relative to cutaneous disseminated herpes simplex virus infections occurring in individuals over the age of 15 and have presented a comprehensive overview of this disease.