Mom always said to wash any cuts and bandage them to prevent skin infections, and there’s good reason for her advice. From MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and impetigo to other nasty versions of staph, bacteria can enter through breaks in the skin and cause infections. People with eczema need to be especially diligent and making sure this doesn't happen.
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is basically a skin condition that causes itching, redness, and sometimes blistering and peeling. Common sense will tell you that having eczema means you're more likely to get infections due to the inevitable cuts and cracks in the skin, which can be an opening for bacteria to invade.
However, that’s not the only reason. With eczema, lower immunity and an imbalance between two important divisions of T cells render the skin more prone to certain infections such as staph and strep, explains Tanya Kormeili, MD, assistant clinical professor in the department of dermatology at the University of California at Los Angeles and in private practice in Santa Monica.
Controlling Eczema to Prevent Skin Infections
Prevention is easier when eczema is under control. To help keep skin in good shape, follow these steps:
- Moisturize. Daily moisturizing is key. Avoid moisturizers with perfumes or fragrances and a long list of ingredients. A plain moisturizer like petroleum jelly (Vaseline and other brands) works best. In general keep in mind greasy moisturizers are better than creamy ones which often have more preservatives. Moisturize your hands after every time you wash them.
- Avoid triggers. Stay away from anything that can irritate the skin. The list ranges from detergents and household cleaning products to turpentine, gasoline, and other solvents.
- Wear gloves. Don gloves outside in the winter as cold air and low humidity may dry out the skin and make eczema worse. Wear vinyl or plastic gloves when touching anything that can irritate the skin, like dish soap or other cleaning products.
- Select all soaps carefully. Use only a mild soap like Dove or Olay when bathing, showering, or washing your hands. Use warm, not hot water, and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing. Put moisturizer on 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 won’t go away, try using 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.
Symptoms of Eczema-Related Skin Infections
Symptoms of a staph infection of the skin may include one or more of the following:
- Pus-producing lesions
- Yellow-orange or honey-colored crusting over the lesions
- Infected hair follicles
- Swollen lymph nodes
Treatment generally involves using an antibiotic.
Viruses including herpes simplex (the same virus that causes cold sores) and human papillomavirus, among others, may also infect the skin. A herpes simplex infection can cause eczema herpeticum, a watery, blistery, itchy area of skin. Fever is part of the infection as is pain from those blisters.
If you have eczema and you suspect that you have a skin infection of any kind, call your doctor immediately, advises Dr. Kormeili. Treatments are available and the sooner they're started, the faster your recovery.