Symptoms Of Eczema On The Hands And Feet
There are two major forms of eczema that predominantly affect the hands and feet: hand eczema and dyshidrotic eczema.
Aside from the common itchy rash, hand eczema is also often marked by dry, thick, scaly patches on the hands that may peel, crack, blister, and bleed.
Dyshidrotic eczema, on the other hand, produces small, deep-set blisters on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet. These blisters may last up to three weeks before drying, possibly turning into cracks or causing the skin to feel thick and spongy.
Dyshidrotic eczema goes by many other names, including foot-and-hand eczema, vesicular eczema, palmoplantar eczema, and pompholyx .
The Outlook For Infected Eczema
The outlook for infected eczema depends on the severity and type of infection. You should notice an improvement in your symptoms several days after starting treatment.
Treating the infection doesnt mean you wont be at risk for future bouts of infected eczema.
Take preventive measures so you can stop eczema flares from getting infected. Managing eczema flare-ups can also go a long way in preventing related infections.
How Is Eczema Herpeticum Diagnosed
Eczema herpeticum is often confused with other skin infections. As it starts with just a few small red spots, it is often confused with chickenpox. The key difference to chickenpox here is that eczema herpeticum has lots of tiny red spots very close together, whereas chickenpox often has slightly larger red spots that are a bit further apart.
As eczema herpeticum is often on the face or around the mouth, it is often confused with impetigo . The difference is that a child with eczema herpeticum will often be generally unwell, with a fever, whereas with impetigo they donât usually feel ill.
Sometimes the rapid appearance of the red spots of eczema herpeticum is confused with a simple flare-up of eczema. The key difference is that normal eczema is itchy whereas eczema herpeticum is painful.
If you think you or your child have eczema herpeticum it is vital that you see a doctor to check the diagnosis: eczema herpeticum needs to be treated correctly and promptly, otherwise it can become very serious.
Hospital specialists may take a small sample of the fluid in one of the spots and send it to the laboratory for testing. Specialist tests can show the herpes virus, which confirms the diagnosis. Most general family doctors do not have access to these tests: they are usually only available in hospital.
This photo shows the typical appearance of eczema herpeticum in a young child:
Read Also: Permanent Cure For Eczema In Ayurveda
Read Also: Best Treatment For Mild Yeast Infection
Eczema Sometimes Leads To Depigmentation
In some cases, inflammation causes not hyperpigmentation but rather depigmentation, which can be light or totally white. This depigmentation most often appears in children, on the face, and is more visible against dark skin. It is temporary and goes away with treatment.
In some cases, this depigmentation is more intense and long-lasting. Prolonged itching can sometimes produce full depigmentation , particularly on the legs. This is rare, however, and appears only in cases of severe atopic dermatitis in adults.
Read Also: How Do You Get Hand Eczema
Helping Your Child Feel Better
If your child has eczema, keep their fingernails short and their skin moisturized. Dress them in loose-fitting clothes and make sure they donât get overheated. Depending on how severe their eczema is, your doctor may recommend wet wraps, a diluted bleach bath, over-the-counter or prescription medications, and/or light therapy to help.
Donât Miss: Herbal Medicine For Tooth Infection
Don’t Miss: How To Heal Infected Tooth Naturally
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.
Check Your Child For Other Symptoms
Children whove developed an infection often experience other non-skin related symptoms that you can look for. The biggest telltale sign of an infection is fever. If your child has a rapidly spreading rash and a high fever, its important to seek immediate medical care. Flu-like symptoms such as achiness, fatigue, general malaise and chills also are signs of an infection.
If your child has swollen lymph nodes or is complaining of a sore throat, its also time to contact your pediatrician. In general, even if your child isnt running a fever, a deviation from the normal symptoms of eczema may signal that something else is going on.
Also Check: How Long Do Yeast Infection Symptoms Last
An Eye For Warning Signs Can Save Your Eyesight
If you have AD, its important to play close attention to your eyes. When an eye problem lasts more than a few days, make an appointment to see your dermatologist or eye doctor.
You should also have eye exams as often as your eye doctor recommends. Ophthalmologists are the experts at diagnosing eye disease. Caught early, the eye diseases linked to AD are highly treatable.
Image
ReferencesHeiting G. Eye problems and diseases. AllAboutVision.com. Website last accessed January 31, 2018.
Leung DYM, Eichenfield LF, et al. Atopic dermatitis. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatricks dermatology in general medicine. McGraw Hill Medical, USA, 2008:152.
Thyssen JP, Toft PB, et al. Incidence, prevalence, and risk of selected ocular disease in adults with atopic dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 77:280-6.
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology
How To Get Rid Of Eczema Scars On Black Skin
The science suggests that those with black skin are more likely to develop more severe eczema than those with lighter skin. Once it clears up, it can leave behind dark patches of skin. Treating and lightening these areas naturally is the same though, for all skin types, and there are plenty of effective home cures for eczema scarring.
Interested to know more about how eczema effects different skin tones? Why not read our blog on the effect of eczema on people of colour.
Also Check: Diflucan Dose For Yeast Infection
Don’t Miss: Do You Get Medicine For A Sinus Infection
How Can I Tell If Eczema Is Infected
Infected atopic eczema looks red and angry, and is usually weepy with a yellowish crust. Yellow pus filled spots may also be present and small red spots around the body hairs . The skin feels hot, itchy and sore, which leads to more scratching. This in turn damages the outer layers of the skin, and creates cracks and moisture which allows more bacteria to grow. This can set up a vicious circle. If the eczema
If repeated attacks of infected eczema are suffered, your doctor may take a swab from the skin to be sent to the microbiology laboratory. This is a quick, painless procedure, and can help confirm what organism is causing the infection. It can also show which antibiotics should be effective as treatment.
The possibility of infection should always be considered in eczema which is getting worse or not responding to emollient or steroid treatment.
When Should My Baby Go To The Doctor For Eczema Treatment
If your baby has symptoms of eczema and at-home treatments have not helped, make an appointment with your pediatrician.
If your babyâs eczema is crusty, oozing fluid, or if your baby is showing any other signs of infection , call your pediatrician right away. Eczema rashes can become infected and may require antibiotic treatment.
Read Also: Best Remedy For Bladder Infection
The Rash Isnt Responding To Regular Treatments
Most kids with eczema have an established treatment routine. This may involve applying ointment or moisturizer, giving your child specialized baths, using wet-wrap therapy or undergoing another treatment prescribed by your pediatrician or dermatologist. While there is no cure for eczema, these treatments usually can provide some relief from its symptoms.
If your childs skin rash seems to worsen in response to their treatment routine though, this could be a sign of infection. Why? Treatments for eczema might only aggravate an infection more.
Whether your child has a bacterial, viral or other form of infection, the treatments differ from those prescribed for eczema. Antibiotic creams and pills are used to treat bacterial infections. Antifungal creams and pills are used to treat fungal infections. And antiviral creams and pills or just simple supportive care are used to treat viral infections.
Overall, when in doubt, talk to your pediatrician or dermatologist. Or, in the case of high fever or other serious symptoms, seek urgent care. Not everything that is red and swollen is an infection, but its always best to make sure.
Ultraviolet Radiation Therapy For Eczema
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation can help reduce the symptoms of chronic eczema. Exposure under medical supervision can be carefully monitored with the use of specially designed cabinets the person stands naked in the cabinet and fluorescent tubes emit ultraviolet radiation.A person with stubborn eczema may need up to 30 sessions. The risks of unsupervised ultraviolet radiation therapy can be the same as for sunbathing faster ageing of the skin and greater risk of skin cancer.
Recommended Reading: Ear Infection Hurts So Bad
Also Check: Hiv Infected Healthcare Workers In New York State
When Should I See The Doctor
If the eczema is getting worse, is not responding to treatment or looks infected you should return to see your doctor. If flu-like symptoms develop with a raised temperature and the eczema worsens, then seek medical advice.
Wet wrapping should not be used on infected eczema as the moist conditions provide an ideal breeding ground for further bacterial growth. If you are using the wet wrapping technique and suspect that the skin is becoming infected, seek the advice of your doctor.
Information contained in this article was obtained from the Eczema & Infection Sheet published by the NES
It is not the policy of the Eczema Association of Australasia Inc to recommend or endorse any product or treatment.It is part of the role of the Association to provide information on a wide range of products and treatments to keep those involved with eczema as fully informed as possible as to all options available. For medical advice, consult your health professional.
Can People With Eczema Swim In A Pool Or In The Sea
As a form of exercise, swimming doesnt involve getting too hot and sweaty however, chlorine is a chemical irritant. Some people with eczema may experience irritation or drying of their skin others experience no negative effects .
If swimming indoors, apply your usual emollient 30 minutes before entering the pool, perhaps before you leave home to travel to the pool. Its a good idea to put on more cream than you usually would, so that it acts as a good barrier to the water. As soon as possible after swimming, shower off using your usual emollient wash/oil/gel. Then apply more leave-on cream than usual.
If swimming outdoors, be aware that emollients will increase your risk of sunburn. When you get out of the pool, after showering, apply emollient first and then sunscreen once the emollient has soaked in. This will prevent the sunscreen becoming diluted by the emollient and ensure that the sunscreen keeps its reflective properties and protects your skin.
Read Also: Can You Do Root Canal On Infected Tooth
What Is A Staph Infection
According to the Mayo Clinic, staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria, a type of germ commonly found on the skin or in the nose .
Although most staph infections results in skin infections, bacteria invading into other organs can cause life threatening forms of staph. This is why treating a staph infection is extremely important.
If you believe you might be suffering from an eczema staph infection, please seek medical professional help immediately.
Donât Miss: Oral Antibiotics For Dental 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: Sinus Infection Tooth Pain Antibiotics
Read Also: Best Abx For Sinus Infection
Eczema Coping Tips Good Hygiene
Skin affected by eczema is more vulnerable to a range of infections, including impetigo, cold sores and warts. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus may cause a secondary infection of impetigo, and possibly contribute to the symptoms of eczema.Suggestions for washing include:
- Take lukewarm baths or showers, and avoid really hot showers.
- Dont use ordinary soap, as the ingredients may aggravate your eczema. Wash your body with warm water alone. For armpits and groin, use soap-free products, such as sorbolene cream.
- Bath oils can help to moisturise your skin while bathing.
- When towelling dry, pat rather than rub your skin.
Dont Miss: What Is The Best Yeast Infection Medication
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.
Don’t Miss: Fast Relief For Bladder Infection
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.
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
Recommended Reading: Can You Have An Odor With A Yeast Infection