Francesca Cheung, MD CCFP, is a family physician with a special interest in dermatology. She received the Diploma in Practical Dermatology from the Department of Dermatology at Cardiff University in Wales, UK. She is practising at the Lynde Centre for Dermatology in Markham, Ontario and works closely with Dr. Charles Lynde, MD FRCPC, an experienced dermatologist. In addition to providing direct patient care, she acts as a sub-investigator in multiple clinical studies involving psoriasis, onychomycosis, and acne.

Abstract
Kaposi varicelliform eruption (KVE) is an infection of a dermatosis by pathogens such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1, HSV-2, coxsackievirus A16, or vaccinia virus. KVE begins as a sudden eruption of painful and crusted or hemorrhagic vesicles, pustules, or erosions in areas of a preexisting dermatosis. Transmission occurs through contact with an infected individual or by dissemination of primary or recurrent herpes. Viral cultures of fresh vesicular fluid or direct observation of infected cells scraped from ulcerated lesions by direct fluorescent antibody staining are the most reliable diagnostic tests for KVE. Antivirals, such as acyclovir and valacyclovir, are used in the treatment of KVE.