How Do I Know If Eczema Is Infected

What Are The Most Common Nummular Eczema Symptoms

Avid coin collectors may recognize the prefix num from the word numismatics, which is the study of coins and money. Thats because nummular eczema was named after its most defining characteristic: the clearly defined coin shape the skin spots tend to take, according to Dr. Silverberg. Dermatologists sometimes refer to this eczema type as discoid eczema, another reference to its signature circular marks.

Shape aside, the AAD says nummular eczema symptoms can be identified by:

• Skin sores: These start as a cluster of tiny solid or fluid-filled bumps that are usually found on the arms and legs. If you had a recent injury, like a scrape on your knee, the sores may appear in that general area.
• Spots or lesions: The inflamed, coin-shaped bumps may appear brown or gray on medium-to-deep skin tones and pink to red on fair-to-medium skin. The lesions are typically raised and scaly, can grow in size , and may last for weeks or even months.
• Itchy, dry skin: Generally, the skin surrounding the lesions is dry and may peeland the spots themselves can really itch or burn.
• Raised lesions that flatten out: Usually, the spots flatten during the healing process. The middle area of the skin lesion starts to fade away first.

Also Check: Do I Have Eczema On My Scalp

Dysbiosis Of Skin Flora

The maintenance of healthy skin also depends on its commensal microbiome. Normal skin flora is found beyond the surface of the epithelium, which highlights the protective role in immune defense and regulation.22 The most abundant microbes consists of Cutibacterium acnes , Corynebacterium, and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus .22 Patients with AD are deficient in commensal bacteria,22 and this facilitates the virulence of S aureus in lesional skin . The roles of commensal bacteria are 2-fold as follows: their ability to modulate the host immune system to minimize inflammation and to increase protection against microbial pathogens their ability to directly outcompete microbial pathogens such as S aureus. CoNS, S epidermidis, was found to produce a lipoitechoic acid that is capable of preventing injury-induced TLR-3mediated cutaneous inflammation by means of TLR-2 interaction.22S epidermidis also modulates host cytotoxic and regulatory T cells in wound repair and immune tolerance, respectively.22 In addition to its anti-inflammatory role, S epidermidis may also up-regulate antimicrobial peptide production by keratinocytes to protect against microbial pathogens.22 CoNS including S epidermidis, S lugdunensis, and S hominis are capable of producing proteases or antimicrobial factors that either prevent biofilm formation by S aureus or are bactericidal against it.22

Why Did My Child Develop Eczema

The exact cause of eczema is unknown. Researchers do know that children who develop eczema do so because of a combination of genes and environmental triggers. When something outside the body switches on the immune system, skin cells dont behave as they should causing flare ups.

We also know that children who come from families with a history of atopic dermatitis, asthma, or hay fever are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis.

Recommended Reading: Yeast Infection Test Strips Walgreens

Complications Of Eczema Herpeticum

Eczema herpeticum is potentially a very serious condition. Complications of this infection may include:

• Scarring from blisters
• Infection in the cornea of the eye known as herpetic keratitis, which left untreated, can lead to blindness
• In rare cases, organ failure and death if the virus spreads to the brain, lungs and liver

Immediate treatment for eczema herpeticum can reduce the risk of complications from the virus.

• National Eczema Association | 505 San Marin Drive, #B300 | Novato, CA 94945
• 415-499-3474 or 800-818-7546

NEA is a qualified 501 EIN 93-0988840

NEA is a qualified 501 EIN 93-0988840

Get the latest eczema news delivered to your inbox.

• Advances in research and treatments
• Lifestyle tips and hacks

Are The Causes Of Eczema And Ringworm Different

Yes. The cause of ringworm is clear: Itâs a fungal infection that lives on the skin.

The cause of eczema is less clear. Doctors believe itâs the result of both genetic and environmental factors.

In addition, certain things can trigger an outbreak or âflare-upâ of eczema. These can differ from person to person, but some things are more common than others, like:

• Soaps, fragrances, household cleaners that irritate the skin
• Cigarette smoke
• Fabrics like wool or polyester
• Antibacterial ointments and wipes

There are no âtriggersâ for an outbreak of ringworm. You either have the infection or you donât.

Also Check: What Otc Medicine Is Best For Yeast Infections

How Do I Tell The Difference

The difference between eczema and dry skin is simply, dry skin is exactly that, dry. Its caused when the skin lacks water in the upper layer of the skin, the epidermis. Dry skin is often triggered by low humidity in the surrounding air, so its more common in colder months and drier climates. However, there may be other triggers like too many hot baths or showers, Hormonal changes, detergents or strong soaps.

The main areas normally affected by dry skin are the Hands, lower legs, and forearms. Normally the symptoms are itchiness, pale or dull skin and dry flaky skin. However, the condition normally wont cause anything worse than an irresistible urge to scratch and dry skin appearance.

People with mild eczema may only have small areas of dry skin that are occasionally itchy. In more severe cases, atopic eczema can cause widespread red, inflamed skin all over the body and constant itching. Scratching can cause the skin to break with can lead to flare-ups, infection and high temperatures.

Other side effects of eczema can be lack of sleep due to scratching, low morale and depression due to the constant care needed and the pain and suffering eczema can cause. The skin can become darker and leather-like patches due to long-term use of steroid creams. Long-term use of steroids can also lead to low testosterone levels in males.

You May Like: Whatâs The Best Laundry Detergent For Eczema

How Does Treatment Differ Between Eczema And Ringworm

In general, you can get rid of ringworm with over-the-counter antifungal medications. Your pharmacist may be able to guide you to the right product for you, depending on the location of your symptoms. In some cases, you may need stronger antifungal medications, which you can only get with a prescription from your doctor.

Eczema is different. You canât get rid of it, or âcureâ it, in the same way that you can cure ringworm. There are, however, a number of things that may help you manage your symptoms and keep flare-ups to a minimum:

• Keep the air moist. Use a humidifier if necessary.

Also Check: Will There Be A Cure For Eczema

Read Also: Yeast Infection Around Eyes Treatment

An Explanation Of The Relationship Between Infection And Eczema Including Causes And Treatment

Skin affected by eczema tends to develop small cracks and fissures on the surface. This provides entry points for bacteria, which cause infection. Infection makes eczema worse and treatment more difficult. The skin can become more cracked which leads the way to further infection. Breaking this cycle of infection is the key to successful treatment. Both contact and atopic eczema may become infected in this way.

Why Has My Skin Become Itchy And Red

Many scientists believe that this skin issue is caused by the behavior of your immune system. When you come into contact with an irritating fabric, skincare product, or other triggers, your immune system may cause you to experience inflammation. This inflammation can lead to rashes and other skin issues.

Scientists also believe that this is a hereditary condition. In other words, if your parents suffered from this skin problem, you are more likely to develop flaky skin during your lifetime. In addition, having asthma and allergies can increase your risk of experiencing this problem.

Recommended Reading: Is Eczema And Autoimmune Disease

Also Check: Sinus Infection In Chest Symptoms

What Questions Might My Healthcare Provider Ask To Diagnose Eczema

The conversation with your healthcare provider will need to cover a lot of information. Be sure to be specific about your symptoms.

• Where is your eczema located?
• What have you used to try to treat your eczema?
• What medical conditions do you have? Allergies? Asthma?
• Is there a history of eczema in your family?
• How long have you had symptoms of eczema?
• Do you take hot showers?
• Is there anything that makes your symptoms worse?
• Have you noticed that something triggers or worsens your eczema? Soaps? Detergents? Cigarette smoke?
• Is there so much itchiness that you have trouble sleeping? Working? Living your normal life?

What Is The Treatment For A Fungal Skin Infection Vs Eczema

Fungal Skin Infection Treatment

A wide array of treatment options are available to treat candidiasis. Options include creams, lotions, ointments, tablets or capsules, troches , and creams. Talk to a doctor to find the option that is right for you.

Medications used to treat yeast infections generally fall into two main categories.

• Azole medications are a family of antifungal drugs that end in the suffix “-azole.” They block the manufacture of ergosterol, a crucial material of the yeast cell wall. Without ergosterol, the yeast cell wall becomes leaky and the yeast dies. Because ergosterol is not a component of human membranes, azoles do not harm human cells.
• Polyene antifungal medications include nystatin and amphotericin B. Nystatin is used for thrush and superficial candidal infections. Doctors reserve amphotericin B for more serious systemic fungal infections. The antifungals work by attaching to the yeast cell wall building material, ergosterol. These medications then form artificial holes in the yeast wall that cause the yeast to leak and die.

Eczema Treatment

Removing exacerbating factors is a good place to start when managing eczema at home. This may be as simple as changing the laundry detergent to one that is fragrance-free or as difficult as moving to a new climate or changing jobs.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting, rough, or scratchy clothing.

Anything that causes sweating can irritate the rash. Avoid strenuous exercise during a flare.

You May Like: Ear Infection Clear Up On Its Own

How Is Atopic Dermatitis Treated

When outbreaks do occur, doctors may recommend creams, such as corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors to prevent itching and allow the skin to heal. It is important to not overuse corticosteroid creams, so always follow the directions of your physician. If a flare-up is severe, doctors may also prescribe oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone. If the skin becomes infected, doctors may prescribe antibiotic cream to treat the infection.1

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Infection In Your Mouth

Are There Any Other Causes Of Infection In Eczema

Streptococci are another group of bacteria, related to the Staphylococci family, which may lead to infection in eczema.

Candida or thrush is a yeast infection which may develop on skin with eczema. Warm, moist folds of skin such as in the groins, under the breasts or around the nappy area in babies are the areas most likely to become infected with Candida. Skin infected with Candida looks red and feels itchy and sore. There may be tiny yellow pustules. This can often be treated with an anti-fungal/steroid combination cream.

Ringworm is a fungal infection particularly common between the toes . It can often look like eczema. In people with eczema an anti-fungal/steroid combination can be used.

Chicken pox is caused by the Varicell zoster virus. If a child with eczema develops chickenpox, emollient therapy should be continued and aqueous calamine cream can be used to help relieve itching.

Wet wrapping the topical steroids should not be used while the chickenpox is active, but may be continued when the scabs have dried out. In some children, the eczema subsides while the chickenpox is active.

The cold sore virus Herpes simplex can cause severe infection in anyone with eczema, because they have a lowered resistance to the virus. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid contact between anyone with eczema and a person who has the cold sore virus. This might even mean that a mother should not kiss her baby, if she has Herpes simplex and the baby has eczema.

You May Like: Can A Tooth Be Pulled If Infected

Use An Air Purifier To Battle Environmental Triggers

Consider buying an air purifier for your home to help remove dust, pollen, and other allergens from the air, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. When inhaled, these air particles can drive allergic reactions in the skin, explains Dr. Zeichner, adding that more research is needed to prove that air purifiers truly benefit people who have eczema. Zeichner recommends opting for a HEPA purifier with a carbon filter for added protection.

Recommended Reading: What Are The Best Antibiotics For A Tooth Infection

When To Seek Professional Help

Eczema that continues to worsen over time and does not improve with usual treatment like steroid medication can be an indicator of a bacterial or viral infection, especially when accompanied by pain, warmth, swelling, increased redness, blisters, and pus.

If any of these signs and symptoms are present, see your doctor immediately to determine if you have an infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.

Read Also: What Antibiotics Treat Uti And Kidney Infections

Causes Of Itchy Red Skin That Happens With Eczema

The cause of eczema is multifactorial. There is both a genetic and environmental component to eczema, says Kaminska. Some of these factors are out of your control. For example, you cant change your genetics. As the Cleveland Clinic points out, eczema is caused by:

• An overreactive immune system
• Genetics: This includes a family history of asthma or allergies.
• Environmental factors such as irritants and hot and dry air

How Can I Tell My Child Has A Skin Infection

A skin infection can look a lot like eczema. Both cause swollen, itchy skin that can ooze fluid and form crusts. By looking closely at your childs skin, you can find signs of a skin infection.

Youll want to look for:

• Yellowish-orange or honey-colored crusts, often on top of eczema.

• Pus-filled blisters, especially on top of eczema.

• Sores that look like cold sores or fever blisters.

• Reddish, swollen bumps on skin.

• Streaks or redness spreading on skin.

Youll also want to check your child for:

• Swollen tonsils and other lymph nodes

Infection or eczema?

A skin infection can look a lot like eczema. Looking for some common signs can help you spot a skin infection.

Also Check: Mesh Infection And Hernia Repair A Review

Causes And Risk Factors Of Eczema

Skin affected by eczema is unable to retain moisture well, possibly because of low production of fats and oils. It is also caused by a disrupted skin barrier, allowing whatever moisture the skin has to freely evaporate into the air. This causes it to become dry and lose its protective properties.

It’s not clear what causes certain people to develop eczema, specifically atopic dermatitis.

Children are more likely to develop eczema if other allergic diseases such as hay fever and asthma run in the family, which suggests that there may be a genetic component to the condition. Read more about conditions related to eczema below.

Though dermatologists dont necessarily consider eczema an autoimmune disorder, the symptoms of atopic dermatitis are thought to be the result of an immune system overreaction or dysfunction.

Indian Journal of Dermatology

In addition to genetic and immune system factors, environmental factors also play a role in worsening or triggering eczema.

Philipp Oscity/Alamy

Favorite Eczema Tracking App

Eczema Tracker

Information is power when it comes to managing eczema symptoms and flare-ups. Eczema Tracker allows you to take a photo of flare-ups and monitor your condition, as well as track and analyze a wealth of information concerning your triggers, allergies, and skin. The app even provides local pollen, weather, mold, and humidity information to help you manage your symptoms. It uses your data to find trends that may lead to flare-ups. Eczema Tracker is available only for iOS in the Apple Store. It is a free app.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Antibiotics For Tooth Infection

What Is Nummular Eczema

Nummular eczema is one of the numerous forms of eczema, which is an umbrella of skin conditions that can cause inflamed, dry, itchy, or scaly skin, as well as uncomfortable or even painful skin rashes. In the case of nummular eczema, the patches usually appear on the legs, forearms, or backs of the hands, according to the American Academy of Dermatology . Nummular eczema typically presents as circular itchy patches, which may look pink or red on lighter skin tones and dark brown or gray on deeper skin tones, according to the Skin of Color Society.

Generally, all eczema is caused by a disruption in the skin barrier, which is the outermost layer of your skin that is responsible for keeping irritants out and locking essential moisture in, according to the AAD. Nummular eczema is not contagious, meaning it doesnt spread from person to person.

Its not totally clear how common nummular eczema is. Some research estimates that 1 out of every 1,000 people have nummular eczema, while other studies report that 9 out of every 100 people live with the condition. Since people with nummular eczema often have other skin conditions as well, some individuals may attribute their symptoms to something else and never seek additional treatment. Or nummular eczema symptoms may go undetected by providers who arent skin specialists.

Can I Prevent Weeping Eczema

While you may not be able to prevent eczema, you can prevent it from becoming infected and weeping. Routine skincare management can help keep your condition in check. Here are some recommendations:

• Choose shampoos and cleansers that are dye- and perfume-free.
• Moisturize twice a day with emollient-rich cream.
• Take antihistamines to keep itching at bay.
• Use steroid creams to reduce inflammation.
• Consider adding dietary supplements like vitamin D and vitamin B12 to your daily routine.
• Find ways to relax and reduce stress, such as meditation or mindfulness.

Recommended Reading: Under Arm Yeast Infection Treatment