Erosive-ulcerative herpes simplex blepharitis.

In 28 subjects the diagnosis of an erosive-ulcerative herpes simplex blepharitis was confirmed by laboratory tests. The clinical manifestations were characterized by the presence of erosions of the intermarginal portion of the lid or the presence of skin ulcers located at the lid margin or the combination of both features, and usually by an absence of vesicular eruptions. Erosions of the intermarginal portion of the lid can readily be made visible by staining with fluorescein. The involved lid portion usually exhibits mild swelling and tenderness on palpation. Conjunctival injection usually is not pronounced adjacent to the lid lesion, the regional lymph nodes being swollen. Laboratory confirmation can be achieved readily by the indirect immunofluorescence technique. The treatment modality consists of the combination of antibiotic and virustatic ointments.