What to Do When Eczema Becomes Infected

Eczema is anything but fun. If you have a child with the condition, you know that eczema involves red, inflamed, itchy patches that occur during flare-ups. Then there’s the dreaded itch that never seems to improve, let alone go away completely. Unfortunately, excessive itching can lead to infection. Keep reading as we explain infections in eczema and what you can do should your child’s eczema become infected.

How Does Eczema Get Infected?

Let’s get right to it. A bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus is very common in atopic dermatitis. Staphylococcus aureus is found on the skin of nearly everyone with eczema, even when there are no signs of infection. Plus, this bacterium thrives on weepy, broken skin. Keep in mind, also, that people with eczema may be more vulnerable to fungal infections than anyone else. The cold sore virus, also known as herpes simplex, can cause severe infection n anyone with atopic dermatitis due to lower resistance to the virus. So if your child has eczema, it’s best that they avoid contact with anyone who has a cold sore.

How to Tell if Your Child’s Eczema is Infected

Be sure to look out for the following signs if you believe your child’s eczema is infected:

• Skin that is weepy with clear or yellow fluid
• Skin that has blisters or red/yellow spots
• Flu-like symptoms raised the temperature or swollen glands in the armpit/neck areas

It’s important to know that infection symptoms are sore and tender, as opposed to itchy. Don’t be surprised to see small, cherry-red blisters on areas of skin, which appear very quickly. Should you find that your son or daughter feels sick in addition to having these blisters, seek medical treatment right away. Your child could have an eczema herpeticum.  

The Itch-Scratch Cycle

In some cases, the eczema itch becomes so bad that children scratch it until it bleeds. This itching not only makes the condition worse but can also cause an infection. This is what experts refer to as the “itch-scratch” cycle. The majority of children are distracted by daily activities (school, playing with friends, etc.) and aren’t as focused on the itch until it’s time for bed. At that point, the itch becomes so intense that a child can’t sleep. Sleep pattern disruption leads to a domino effect, intensifying the flare-up and negatively affecting the entire family.

In terms of infection treatment, antibiotic creams and/or antifungal creams are often the only answers.  

How Our Eczema Clothing Helps

Soothems therapeutic clothing for eczema is made using innovative product designs and a proprietary smart fabric known as TEWLTect. This smart fabric consists of a blend of Zinc Oxide enhanced along with sustainable cellulosic polymer fibers that help reduce itching, preserve skin moisture, and control bacteria growth. Children who wear Soothems garments enjoy a peaceful, itch-free night while getting the sleep they need. Plus, not having that burning desire to itch and scratch significantly decreases the chances of infection. Here at Soothems, we have the following available for purchase:

• Eczema sleepwear
• Eczema leggings
• Eczema sleeves
• Eczema caps

Shop eczema clothing today.