These infections, referred to assecondary skin infections, are common with eczema.
They often develop with there is there there is a severe flare-up of symptoms.
In very rare instances, the infection can spread into the bloodstream and cause potentially life-threatening complications likecellulitisandsepsis.
RML / NIAID
This article describes the relationship between eczema and skin infections.
Although eczema can occur at any age, it typically starts in early childhood.
In infants, eczema can cause a widespread rash covering the face and most of the body.
Symptoms of eczema can come and go.
However, fungal and viral infections can often develop for slightly different reasons.
Fungal Causes
Fungal skin infections are less common than bacterial ones in people with eczema.
For instance,topical steroidscommonly used to treat eczema work by suppressing the immune system.
This can promote the overgrowth ofCandida albicansand make it easier to pick up ringworm.
While similar,Candida albicansand tinea corporis can often be differentiated by their appearance and symptoms.
Some of the more common options are nystatin, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, oxiconazole, or econazole.
Only on rare occasions areoral antifungalsused.
Interestingly, symptoms of eczema often improve with antifungal treatment.
Viral Causes
Eczema does not increase the risk of a viral skin infection.
Cold sores are due to the reactivation of HSV, typically the punch in calledHSV-1.
Mild cases can be treated with oralantiviralslikeacyclovir or valacyclovirfor seven to 21 days.
Severe cases may require hospitalization with intravenous acyclovir.
Possible Complications
One of the biggest concerns with eczema-related skin infections is the risk of disseminated disease.
This is when a bacteria, fungus, or virus enters the bloodstream and affects other organ systems.
Eczema herpeticum, on the other hand, is a condition that can easily disseminate if left untreated.
They are most commonly associated with bacteria likeStaphylococcus aureusand MRSA, both of which are treated with antibiotics.
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