What is a Staph infection?
In order to know more about eczema caused by Staph infection, it is important to understand the underlying reasons resulting in this skin infection. It is Staphylococcus bacteria that leads to staph infection.
Staphylococcus bacteria has been analyzed as a common reason behind weeping eczema and major skin infections, namely impetigo, boils and folliculitis. Nearly 25% of the people are considered to carry this bacteria on their skin surface of nose, mouth and genitals and represent no signs of infection. Despite being a skin friendly bacteria, more than 20% of the affected people may develop the Staph infection symptoms within 3 months after being treated. The contagious infection of skin is more common in children.
People with impaired skin barriers are at high risk of being a victim of Staphylococcus bacterium. The bacteria causes significant complications once they penetrate the protecting layer of skin. Eczema and similar skin ailments deprive the skin of natural antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides necessary to prevent the growth of Staphylococcus. The skin as a result become more vulnerable to bacterial and microbial attack.
Staph infection Causes:
- Severe itching in the affected area
- Inflammation of the skin
- Release of histamine
- Makes the skin susceptible to allergen attack
- Aggravates the symptoms of eczema
Staph Infection Symptoms:
The infection is characterized by tenderness, swelling, and redness of a small area of skin. Staph infection may initiate from an open wound, as the conditions provide a favorable environment for the growth of the bacteria.
If the symptoms aggravate and the infection spreads, it may result in fever, occasionally accompanied with sweats and chills.
In case of babies and young children, the infection may result in a painful rash that aggravates and develops into a contagious boil. While in a few cases, rash, blisters, and fever are the reported symptoms.
How to Use Bleach bath for Staph Infection
Bleach baths are an effective approach towards treating Atopic Dermatitis caused as a result of staph infection. Bleach bath have proven to eliminate bacterial growth on skin prone to eczema and infections. Bleach bath refers to preparing a diluted mixture of household bleach with water in a bath. The method is highly recommended by dermatologists to alleviate the symptoms of eczema and prevent the colonisation of Staphylococcus.
Suggested tips for best results from bleach bath for staph infection
- Add 1/2 cup of bleach to 40 gallons of warm water — that will fill a U.S.-standard-sized bathtub to the overflow drainage holes. Use household bleach, which has a concentration of hydrochloric acid approximately 8%.
- Soak from the neck down or just the affected areas of skin for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse well from the neck down or just the affected areas of skin for about 15 minutes.
- Immediately apply moisturizer generously.
- Take a bleach bath no more than three times a week.
- If your skin is cracked or very dry, a bleach bath may be painful and may overdry the skin. Talk to your doctor before trying an eczema bleach bath for staph infection.
Adverse Effects of a Eczema Bleach Bath
Extensive exposure to bleach baths may often lead to:
- Dryness of the skin
- Rash or skin irritation
- Nasal irritation
- Asthma exacerbation
Most commonly the symptoms arise due to additional perfumes or detergents in the bleach. Hence, it is advisable to use the bleach recommended by your doctor to sway such issues.
Preventive Measures concerning Bleach Baths
To avoid the adverse effects of bleach bath, make sure to consider the suggested precautionary measures.
- Please be cautious when using bleach as using too much can harm the skin, cause skin burns, and dry out the skin.
- Make sure you don’t use the undiluted form of bleach on the skin, it can result in severe dryness and irritation of skin. In a few cases, even the diluted bleach baths can cause such symptoms.
- Avoid using bleach baths in case of open or raw skin areas. This may develop a burning or stinging sensation.
- The use of bleach baths is strictly prohibited if you are allergic to chlorine.
Here is a list of studies done on effectiveness of bleach baths and eczema:
You can refer to this section of the article for research studies based on bleach bath and evidence supporting its benefits in preventing eczema caused by staph infection.
“Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus colonization in atopic dermatitis decreases disease severity”.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19403473
“Efficacy of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) baths to reduce Staphylococcus aureus colonization in childhood onset moderate-to-severe eczema: A randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over trial”.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26270469
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