Is your eczema getting worse? (Infected Eczema) Let's talk about this!

Do you have eczema? Then you probably know how annoying it can be at times. The skin becomes dry, itchy, flaky, and sometimes red and blisters appear, right? When you have eczema, our skin's defenses are weakened, so germs can easily enter and cause infections. That's what we call 'infected eczema'. This doesn't just get better, it needs to be treated properly.

How does someone with eczema get an infection?

Simply put, eczema becomes infected when your eczema flares up , or when bacteria, fungi, or viruses enter your skin. Did you know that when you have eczema, your skin's natural defense system is weakened? It's like the windows and doors of your house are not closed. Then your skin becomes dry, itchy, flaky, and sometimes rough and blistered. When your skin's defenses are weakened in this way, tiny, invisible germs, called microbes , can easily penetrate your skin. That's when an infection occurs. Remember, this infected eczema condition doesn't just heal, it needs to be treated .

What are the types of infectious eczema?

There are three main types of infections that a person with eczema can develop. Let's take a look at what they are.

Bacterial infection

This is when a type of germ called bacteria enters our body and causes an infection. Have you heard of a 'staph infection' ? That's a good example of this. Sometimes if eczema lesions turn yellow and pus-like, it could be a bacterial infection. These are the most common types of infections seen in eczema.

Fungal infection

Fungi are tiny organisms that naturally live on our skin and in the environment. But sometimes, when they get too big, they can cause infections. For example , yeast infections , also known as Candida infections, or tinea versicolor, which causes ringworm, fall under this category. These can also enter through eczema lesions.

Viral infection

A viral infection is something that spreads very quickly. It can be spread if you are in close contact with someone who already has the virus, that is, if you touch them. An example is the 'Herpes simplex virus' . We call a severe condition caused by this 'Eczema herpeticum' . This is a condition that requires some care, because it can spread quickly and become severe.

Do you know what the symptoms of infected eczema are?

Look for any of these signs in or around your eczema. These could be signs of an infection:

• The skin lesions appear yellow and crusty . They may ooze pus-like fluid.
• Water-filled blisters appear. These blisters may also appear in clusters.
• Sometimes blisters or sores develop that ooze fluid . This fluid may be yellow or clear.
• The area where the wound is located feels sore and inflamed . There may be a burning pain.
• The itching is worse than that of normal eczema. It may feel like the itching doesn't go away no matter how much you scratch.
• The skin color changes, perhaps becoming more red, or becoming a different color .
• The area where the wound is located may appear swollen and may sometimes feel warm to the touch.

In addition to these symptoms, sometimes you may experience fever, chills, and nausea with an infection. If you have any of these symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor , right? Don't delay.

Why does eczema get infected? What are the causes?

As we've talked about before, these infections are caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Now look, when eczema develops, the protective layer on the top of our skin, the 'epidermis', is damaged. Then it becomes weak. Like an old wall, it cracks easily.

At the same time, we scratch our skin, either knowingly or unknowingly, because of the intense itching that comes with eczema. Small children scratch without realizing it. Even adults sometimes scratch so much that they can't stand it. When we scratch, the skin gets injured, and small cracks appear in the skin. It is through these cracks that harmful germs easily enter the body. Imagine, it is like thieves can easily sneak into the house if the gate is left open. That is why there is a higher chance of infection when you have eczema.

How can you reduce the risk of eczema infection?

Okay, now let's see what we can do at home to reduce the risk of eczema infection. These are very simple things, but very important.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water as often as possible. Especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after going outside.
• Keep your skin moisturized at all times . That means using a good moisturizer. Apply moisturizer especially after bathing, immediately after washing your hands, before your skin dries. It is best to use a moisturizer recommended by a doctor.
• Avoid scratching your skin as much as possible. I know it's hard, but try. Keep your nails short. If you scratch at night, you can sleep with socks on your hands.
• Try to stay away from other people who are already infected , especially those with skin infections.
• If you have a wound or cut on your skin, clean it thoroughly and cover it with a bandage.Then the entry of germs will be reduced.

Can an eczema infection progress to sepsis?

This is a bit of a concern . Yes, sometimes, especially if an eczema infection is not treated properly , it can get worse and develop into a dangerous condition called 'Sepsis' . Sepsis is when the infection gets into the blood, spreads throughout the body, and causes a severe response from our body's immune system. This can affect the functioning of our vital organs. Think, like the heart, kidneys, and lungs. Sepsis is a condition that can even be life-threatening .

That's why we say that if you have symptoms of an infection, it's very important to see a doctor and get treatment without delay . Getting treatment early can help prevent these serious complications and stop the infection from getting worse.

How does a doctor diagnose infected eczema?

When you go to a doctor, the first thing he or she does is examine you physically and listen carefully to your symptoms . This means looking at your injuries and asking about your feelings. In addition, he or she will ask about your complete medical history, including any previous illnesses or medications you are taking .

Sometimes, additional tests may be needed to determine the exact cause of the infection so that your doctor can give you the right treatment.

What are these tests?

"Usually these are the tests that are done:"

• " Culture test for bacteria, viruses, or fungi : This involves taking a sample of your blood, urine, or a small swab from an infected skin area and growing it in a lab to see what germ is causing the infection."
• " KOH preparation test : This involves scraping a small piece of tissue from your infected skin and looking at it under a microscope to see if there are any fungi or other organisms present."

How do you treat infected eczema?

The important thing is that infected eczema does not just go away on its own . It definitely requires medical treatment. Depending on the cause of your infection, your doctor may suggest the following treatments:

• If it is a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be given, either topically or orally .
• If it is a fungal infection, antifungal medications can be given, either topically or orally .
• In the case of a severe viral infection, you may need to take oral antiviral medications, or sometimes intravenously (IV) antiviral medications .

These 'Oral' are pills that are taken by mouth. 'Topical' are creams or ointments that are applied to the skin. The medicine given by the doctor should be used exactly as prescribed, for the prescribed period of time . Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the medicine until the doctor tells you to.

Sometimes these medications can cause minor side effects. Your doctor will tell you about these before giving you the medication. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask.

How long does it take for infected eczema to heal?

After you start treatment, it may take a few days for your skin to start healing . Your skin should usually clear up in about a week or two .

However, if your symptoms do not improve after about two weeks, or even seem to get worse, you should definitely see your doctor again .

When should I see a doctor?

If you think you have symptoms of an infection, see a doctor immediately . Remember, infections are not things that can be cured without medical treatment.

Go to the emergency room immediately, especially if you have a high fever, severe pain and swelling, or any other serious, suspicious symptoms along with the infection.

What happens if you have infected eczema?

An infected eczema condition definitely requires treatment. Your doctor will diagnose the cause of the infection and prescribe medication to treat it. It may take up to two weeks for your symptoms to completely go away. Even after the infection has cleared up, your normal eczema symptoms may still be present . Therefore, you should continue with your usual eczema skin care routine.

Can people with weeping eczema also get infections?

Yes, you can. Weeping eczema , which is a type of eczema that oozes fluid, causes water-filled blisters to form on the skin. These blisters can easily burst and ooze a clear or yellow fluid. That's where the name 'weeping' comes from, because the fluid oozes out as if it's crying. When these blisters burst and become infected, it's an easy way for germs to enter the skin .

So, if you have Weeping Eczema, to prevent infection, keep your skin clean with soap and water . Then, cover the blisters with a bandage. The most important thing is to avoid scratching the skin . If you scratch, you create a bigger opportunity for germs to enter your body.

Finally, I have to tell you (Take-Home Message)

We're all surrounded by germs, that's true. But germs that cause infections aren't exactly welcome guests in our bodies. When your eczema flares up and you scratch it, it becomes a breeding ground for germs like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. But you don't want them to stay there forever.

A doctor can quickly treat these infections, relieve your discomfort, and help you get back to your normal life. They can also help you manage your ongoing eczema symptoms and prevent future infections. So, if you ever suspect you have an eczema infection, don't hesitate to see a doctor, okay?

` Eczema, infected eczema, skin diseases, bacterial infections, fungal infections, viral infections, sepsis