Eczema, which has been left untreated can become infected. This happens when a virus or bacterial pathogen gets into open blisters or wounds of an eczema rash. It is essential for those with eczema or caregivers of children with eczema to know what causes eczema to become infected, the signs and symptoms, and what treatment options are available.
What is eczema?
A look at infected eczema
Eczema is a word applied to a wide range of conditions that cause redness, itchiness, and inflamed skin. The most common sort of eczema is atopic dermatitis. Eczema is mostly observed in infants, and most children outgrow it by the time they are ten years old. In cases where eczema continues into adulthood, people can manage their condition with medicated creams. If eczema is left untreated, it can get infected by microbes like bacteria, viruses or fungi.
Blistering Eczema
Most people with infected eczema will have an open sore in the afflicted area. The open wounds develop due to excessive scratching of the skin. Scratching worsens the condition and invites infection, so it is advised to try and resist the temptation.These infections can cause blistering. People with eczema are more susceptible to diseases because popped blisters or damaged, raw skin can be a breeding ground for harmful microbes like bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Blisters can also appear depending on the kind of eczema you have: These are the kinds of eczema that are most often accompanied by eczema blistering:
Dyshidrotic eczema
This form of eczema appears on the hands and feet and is more prevalent in women. Small deep blisters develop on the palms, soles of the feet, and sides of the fingers. The blisters are very itchy and cause scaly skin patches that flake constantly. These blisters may be infected by the germs which can worsen the condition.
First-line treatments for this kind of eczema include using cool compresses and corticosteroid creams or ointments. Dermatologists can drain larger blisters to reduce pain. Other medicines, like antihistamines, may be given to relieve the itchiness.
Allergic contact dermatitis
If you’ve ever come into contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac and gotten a blistery, itchy rash, you have experienced allergic contact dermatitis. People develop small lines of blisters where the poison ivy leaves or oak rubbed against them. Plants are amid the 3,000 allergens known to generate this kind of eczema. Other common culprit allergens are metals (especially nickel) and perfumes. These blisters may pop open and dry up forming a small crust.
Irritant contact dermatitis
Acids, solvents, harsh cleansers, or detergents can agitate the skin and trigger irritant contact dermatitis. This reaction resembles a burn, and eczema blisters can also bubble up rapidly, especially if the irritant is strong. Treatment for eczema caused by irritants or allergens involves thoroughly cleaning of the skin to remove any traces of the substance that is irritating you. Of course, avoiding known irritants or allergens that can result in a rash or eczema blisters. Sometimes, the ideal treatment for contact dermatitis is just leaving the area alone. But with extreme reactions, doctors can prescribe either steroid creams, lotions, or oral medications to lessen inflammation and other symptoms.
Infected eczema is easy to identify because the area will be more inflamed. One with infected eczema may also exhibit the following signs and symptoms:
- burning
- extreme itching
- fluid oozing
- blistering on and around the area
- oozing white or yellow pus
In more advanced situations, a person may have more severe symptoms like:
- fever
- chills
- aches
- fatigue
If anyone feels any of these symptoms, they should seek medical intervention to treat the infection.
Complications that arise from infected eczema
Infected eczema is a complication of untreated eczema, but it can cause its problems and issues. Problems arising from infected eczema may include:
Getting fungal infections
Those with untreated eczema might be more susceptible to getting yeast infections, also known as Candida and thrush. Both types of yeast grow in the presence of warm, moist skin. Studies show that Candida to be a possible cause of eczema, particularly in infants, and treating it can help in reducing eczema symptoms. Fungal infections symptoms like redness, itching, scaling, blisters or skin cracking and soreness. You may also get lesions in your mouth.
Herpes simplex infection
Those with eczema have lower immunity to the Herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores. Symptoms of the viral disease include inflamed patches of eczema, fluid-filled blisters that pop and leave small, open wounds and one may develop a fever. Getting the Herpes simplex virus may also cause a severe form of skin infection known as eczema herpeticum. It's critical for those with chronic eczema that they avoid others with cold sores to reduce the risk of getting the virus.
Erythroderma
Erythroderma (exfoliative dermatitis), another kind of inflammatory skin disease, is linked with redness and skin peeling in layers. Pre-existing cutaneous conditions like psoriasis and eczema can worsen and advance into erythroderma. The situation can appear and worsen in those with unstable or untreated eczema. It can lead to more problems like infection, heart failure, malnutrition, dehydration, and swelling. Hospitalization and antibiotics are needed to treat erythroderma.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious, superficial infection of the skin brought on by streptococcus(strep) Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. Impetigo is more prevalent in children between 2- to 5-years than in adults. Impetigo develops in warm and humid environments and is spread by close contact (like between family members). Impetigo is highly contagious, primarily from direct contact with someone who has it. Bacteria causing impetigo may enter through a break in the skin, like when one scratches to hard. Adults mostly catch impetigo from close contact with infected kids. Humidity, heat, and the presence of eczema predispose a person to get impetigo. Recurrent impetigo infections may be with staph or strep bacteria residing in the nose and spreading to other parts of the skin.
Eye problems
Some with eczema get eye problems like skin folding on the lower eyelid, keratoconus (cone-shaped eyeball), conjunctivitis, retinal detachment, and cataracts. Less severe problems include excessive watering of the eyes, itching around the eyelids or swelling of the eyelid. If you have challenges with your eyes, you should talk with your physician and an eye specialist probably.
Sleep disturbances
The itch-scratch cycle that frequently accompanies eczema can cause a person always to make it so hard to fall asleep. Continually getting a lack of sleep can lead to irritability, lack of focus and other behavioral and medical problems.Extended eczema flare - the infection needs to be treated before eczema will heal
- blisters and increased itchiness
- growth problems in children using steroid
- eventual resistance to topical steroids with
- extended use
- scarring
Infected related to eczema can also lead to more severe complications. For instance, if left untreated, a severe staph infection can cause a blood infection referred to as sepsis which can even cause death.Generally, the younger the person is, the high the possibility they will have complications from an infection. Young children and Infants are at risk of getting bacterial or blood infections, so a physician should examine them sooner.
Bacteria skin infection
Eczema makes a person be at higher risk of developing a disease from the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria does well on weepy or broken skin. A research carried out by the University of Maryland found that Staph infections encourage immune cells to respond in a way that generates eczema-like rashes. Yellow crusting on the skin, sore skin or, oozing fluid from open skin sores and a fever may be signs and symptoms of a bacterial skin infection of complicated eczema.
Self-esteem problems
For some patients with eczema, the rash and itch result in self-esteem issues. There may be concerned about how other people will perceive the redness and rash and might shy away from social organizations. Besides children with eczema might be ostracized or bullied by their classmates. Discussing with a therapist might offer healthy methods to boost self-esteem.
Asthma and allergies
Most children with eczema are found to later develop asthma and allergy signs, such as hay fever or food allergies. Consult your physician in case you or your child develop signs and symptoms of allergies.
Attention deficit hyperactivity
Some researchers have shown a relationship between eczema and attention deficit hyperactivity condition. In several birth cohort research, researchers have discovered that children with eczema have a greater than forty percent higher risk of also being diagnosed with ADHD or exhibit clinical ADHD signs and symptoms. The main symptoms of ADHD include but are not limited to the inability to sustain attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
Eczema - When to see a doctor?
If an infant or child gets a rash, it is good to contact a physician to rule out more severe infections. If a one has chronic eczema flares, they should see their doctor if they develop a fever, experience chills, have reduced energy, or develop signs of infection, such as oozing blisters and excessive itchiness.
Treatments available for Infected Eczema
Treatment for infected eczema is said to vary based on the infection type present. If the infection cause is a virus, a physician may prescribe an antiviral drug. In cases of bacterial infections, a physician may opt to use either a topical or an oral antibiotic. Physicians are likely to give creams less severe cases and prescribe oral antibiotics for more severe cases. A physician may also provide a steroid cream to lower associated redness and swelling.
Fungal infections require antifungal creams or drugs. Likewise, a steroid cream may also help with a fungal-infected eczema rash. Some antifungal creams that may help with eczema are available over the counters.
Natural remedies
Caregivers and some people may want to supplement drugs with natural alternatives to heal or avoid infections from recurring. People looking for natural remedies for infected eczema can try the following:
- essential oils, such as tea tree or evening primrose
- herbal supplements for eczema outbreak
- creams and natural soaps with emollients
- probiotics while using medication
- oatmeal baths to help solace and dry the eczema
Prevention of infection of eczema prone skin
A person can prevent infected eczema by reducing flare-ups and avoiding scratching. Also, people with eczema should always keep their skin as clean as possible. When symptoms occur, a person should follow the recommended treatment plan to help manage and reduce the flare-ups.
In areas with skin folds and moist skin, care should be taken to keep the area clean and dry. Infected eczema is a quite easy condition to evade. One of the most usual ways an infection occurs is through scraping and scratching the eczema rash open, leaving an open wound on the surface that viruses or bacterias can enter. Children who have eczema should be closely monitored and reminded not to scratch. If infected, a person should see a physician to prevent the infection from getting worse.
Controlling Eczema to Prevent Skin Infections
Prevention is easier when eczema is controlled. To aid in keeping the skin in good shape, use the following steps:
Moisturize. Daily moisturizing is advised. Avoid perfumed or fragranced moisturizers and a very long list of ingredients. Plain moisturizers like petroleum jelly (Vaseline and other brands) works best. Generally, you should keep in mind oiled moisturizers are way better than creamy ones that mostly have a lot of preservatives. Moisturize hands after washing them every time.
Avoid triggers. Stay away from things that can irritate the skin. The list ranges from household cleaning products and detergents to gasoline, oil, and other solvents.
Always wear gloves as low humidity. and cold air may dry out the skin and worsen eczema. Wear plastic or vinyl gloves when touching anything that might irritate the surface, like dish soap or other different cleaning products.
Always select soaps carefully. Use only a mild soap like olay or dove when showering, bathing, or washing your hands. Use warm, not hot water, and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing. Apply moisturizer immediately.
Don’t irritate the skin. Try not to scratch or rub the area. Keep fingernails short. Also, avoid getting too hot or sweaty, which can make the skin feel even itchier. If itchiness doesn't go away, experiment a cold compress to help reduce the need to scratch.
Visit a dermatologist. If your symptoms persist, tell your doctor — you may need steroid medication or other treatments.
