Is your eczema oozing watery fluid? Let's talk about 'Weeping Eczema'!

Have you ever had a rash and had to scratch it so hard that it was unbearable? Sometimes, the skin becomes irritated and red after scratching. But what if a clear liquid like water suddenly starts to ooze from the rash? What if that liquid dries up and forms a yellow crust after a while? You may wonder if this is really just a rash or something more serious. Don't worry, that's exactly what we're going to talk about in this article today.

What is 'Weeping Eczema'?

Simply put, 'Weeping Eczema' is not a separate disease. It is a complication that occurs when you already have eczema. When you have eczema, when the area becomes very inflamed, a clear or straw-colored fluid starts to ooze out onto the surface of the skin. Sometimes you can even see small blisters filled with this fluid. We call it 'weeping eczema' because this fluid oozes.

Are 'wet eczema' and Impetigo the same thing?

No, these two are two different states. Many people confuse the two. Let's see what the difference is.

• Weeping Eczema: This is an inflammation of the skin, which is part of eczema. It is not contagious (but if it gets infected, it can be contagious, which we will talk about later). It oozes a clear or light yellow fluid.
• Impetigo: This is a bacterial infection. It is contagious. It causes blisters or sores on the skin that ooze a yellow, pus-like fluid, followed by a honey-colored crust. It is most commonly seen around the nose and mouth.

For example, if your eczema is oozing yellow pus, it's likely a bacterial infection. If that's the case, you'll need different treatment than you would for normal eczema. So it's important to understand this difference.

How common is this condition?

This is actually a much more common condition than you might think. Millions of people around the world suffer from various types of eczema. For example, there are types like atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. When any of these types of eczema become severe, it can develop into 'wet eczema'. So remember that this is not something that only happens to you.

What happens to the body due to 'wet eczema'?

When 'wet eczema' occurs, the skin is constantly moist because fluid continues to ooze from those fluid-filled blisters. When this fluid dries, a yellow or orange crust-like layer forms on the skin's surface.

Eczema usually occurs in areas where the skin folds. That means:

• Behind the knees
• On the inside of the elbow
• Front of the neck

However, 'wet eczema' can occur anywhere on the body. This condition is especially common on the hands, face, lips, legs, and feet.

What exactly are the symptoms of this?

A person with 'wet eczema' may experience a variety of symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms of normal eczema (dry skin, itching, swelling) become more severe. Let's take a closer look at these symptoms in the table below.

Why does 'wet eczema' occur?

The main reason for this is active inflammation in the skin. When inflammation increases, the fine blood vessels under the skin dilate. Then, the liquid part of the blood plasma (serum) leaks from those blood vessels into the skin tissues. As a result, the skin swells a little, and that liquid also starts to flow to the surface of the skin.

But, there's an even more important point. When your skin is very dry, cracked, and inflamed due to eczema, it's easy for germs that cause infections to enter your body. When these germs enter, your eczema symptoms can get worse and you may develop 'wet eczema.'

There are two main types of infections associated with 'wet eczema':

1. Staphylococcus infection: This is a type of bacteria that normally lives on our skin. But when the skin is broken, this bacteria can get inside and cause an infection. This is the most common cause of 'wet eczema'.

2. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1): This is the same virus that causes cold sores. If this virus enters broken skin with eczema, it can also cause 'wet eczema'.

Is 'wet eczema' contagious?

This is a question that many people ask.

• Normal eczema and non-infectious 'wet eczema' are not contagious.
• However, if the 'wet eczema' condition is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, that infection can be contagious to others.

Therefore, if your rash is oozing fluid, it is wise to avoid touching the area and sharing items such as towels and clothing with others.

How does a doctor diagnose this?

When you go to see a doctor, the first thing he or she will do is examine your skin. Most of the time, you can tell if it's eczema just by looking at the symptoms. However, in some cases, you may need to do more tests to find the exact cause and choose the right treatment.

• Blood tests: Check for infection or allergies in the body.
• Allergy skin tests: To find out if an allergy to something is causing the rash to get worse.
• Skin biopsy: A very small piece of skin is taken and examined under a microscope.
• Bacterial culture: Take a sample from a fluid source to find out exactly what type of bacteria is in it.

What are the treatments for 'wet eczema'?

Treatment for 'wet eczema' depends on the cause. Your doctor will determine the treatment that is best for you.

• Corticosteroids: These are applied to the skin in the form of creams. They quickly reduce inflammation and itching. If the condition is severe, they may also be given as oral pills (e.g., Prednisone).
• Antihistamines: These are commonly prescribed allergy medications. They can help reduce the unbearable itching caused by eczema.
• Immunosuppressants: These drugs help control skin inflammation by slightly reducing the activity of the body's immune system.
• Antibiotics: If the cause of 'wet eczema' is a bacterial infection, antibiotic ointments or pills are given to combat the infection.

Are there things you can do at home to control symptoms?

Because 'wet eczema' is often associated with an infection, it requires medication prescribed by a doctor to completely cure it. However, there are a few things you can do at home to help relieve the symptoms.

• Natural oils: Things like coconut oil and olive oil help rebuild the skin's protective layer and reduce inflammation.
• Vitamins: Vitamin D and vitamin B12 have been found to help reduce some eczema symptoms.
• Colloidal oatmeal bath: This special oatmeal powder, available at pharmacies, can be added to bath water and washed on the body to reduce skin dryness and itching.
• Diluted bleach bath: Don't be surprised to hear this. Adding a very small amount, about a teaspoon of household bleach to a tub of water, and bathing will kill bacteria on the skin and reduce redness, itching, and scaling.
• But this is something that needs to be done very carefully. Applying too much bleach or bathing this way too often can dry out the skin even more. So never do this without consulting a doctor.

How long will it take for this condition to heal?

If you see a doctor quickly and start proper treatment, 'wet eczema' should heal within a week or two. However, if the condition is very severe, it may leave scars on the skin after healing.

If left untreated, symptoms can worsen and the infection can spread throughout the body. Therefore, it is best to seek medical advice as soon as the rash starts to ooze fluid.

Can 'wet eczema' be prevented?

It may not be possible to completely prevent eczema from developing. However, there are many things we can do to prevent eczema from becoming infected and developing into 'wet eczema'. Maintaining a good skin care routine is the key to managing eczema.

• Choose the right soap and shampoo: Use gentle products that are dye- and perfume-free.
• Apply moisturizer regularly: Use an emollient-rich cream at least twice a day to keep your skin well-hydrated. It's best to apply it after bathing, after drying your body well, and while it's still slightly damp.
• Control itching: If your doctor recommends it, take antihistamine pills to reduce itching.
• Control inflammation: Apply the steroid creams prescribed by your doctor to the inflamed areas as directed.
• Reduce stress: Stress can worsen eczema. Try to calm your mind through things like meditation and breathing exercises.

What to do if a small baby gets 'wet eczema'?

Since babies' skin is very sensitive, if their rash turns into 'wet rash', see a pediatrician immediately. He or she will provide the safest and most appropriate treatment for your baby. Usually, your baby will be given a steroid cream or ointment. You may also be given an antihistamine syrup for a few days to control the itching.

A simple rash is an annoying condition that comes with itching. But when it starts to ooze fluid, it becomes a health problem that needs more attention. So if you or someone in your family develops this condition, see a doctor immediately and get treatment. With timely treatment, you can control the infection, get rid of the painful symptoms, and recover quickly.

Weeping Eczema, Eczema, Skin Disease, Skin Disease, Eczema Sinhala, Infection, Itchy Skin