What might you expect to find in the CBC of a patient with eczema herpeticum?

In the context of eczema herpeticum, eosinophilia is often observed. Eczema herpeticum is a herpes simplex virus infection that occurs superimposed on atopic dermatitis (eczema). Patients with atopic dermatitis typically have a history of elevated eosinophils due to the underlying allergic component associated with their condition.

When an infection such as herpes occurs, the immune response can further stimulate the production of eosinophils, which are white blood cells that become elevated in allergic reactions and certain infections. Eosinophilia can occur as part of this complex immune response, indicating that the body is reacting to both the herpes virus and the underlying atopic condition.

In contrast, other elements such as neutropenia, leukopenia, and platelet deficiency are less characteristic findings associated with eczema herpeticum specifically and would not align with the typical immunological response observed in this condition. Neutropenia, for example, would indicate a decrease in neutrophils, which might be seen in other types of infections or bone marrow suppression but not typically in a case of eczema herpeticum. Similarly, leukopenia indicates an overall decrease in white blood cell count, which doesn't align with the expected immune response in this scenario.