What Is Weeping Eczema?
Weeping eczema is referred to a condition where the symptoms of eczema are severe and result in a bacterial infection. You may experience it when the affected area has been scratched to an extent that it gets infected, usually by Staphylococcus bacteria.
As a consequence, the pus-filled blisters oozes out to produce a golden color fluid that forms a crusty layer on the skin, when it dries.
Types : Primary and Secondary
Primary types refer to the blistering types of eczema, such as dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema or discoid eczema. These can vary from just one or two blisters, or small crops of more than three. These look like blisters and contain a clear fluid.
If we scratch the skin, then fluid can ooze through our skin, which is where the primary term “weeping eczema” comes from.
Secondary types refer to the weeping caused by a secondary problem, and is often confused with primary types. The main difference between the two is that secondary happens after your initial breakout, in response to outside bacteria or foreign items.
Secondary types can occur over large areas of the body, or over areas of previously dry eczema. Secondary types contain milky or yellow fluid.
How is Staphylococcus being unfriendly to the skin?
Despite being a skin friendly bacteria, Staphylococcus can be a threat to those with impaired skin barriers.The bacterium thrives on the surface of your skin and causes complications, once they penetrate the barrier of the dermis.
In case of eczema or other similar disorders, the skin lacks natural antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides to prevent the colonization of Staphylococcus bacteria. Thus, making the dermis more susceptible to bacterial attack.
The bacterial species has been found responsible for the following conditions:
- Inflammation of the skin
- Severe itching in the affected area
- Release of histamine
- Makes the skin sensitive, thus, vulnerable to other allergens
- Aggravates eczema symptoms
Know more about various types of eczema:
Contact Dermatitis | Eczema on Lips | Dyshidrotic Eczema | Eczema on Hands | Follicular Eczema | Eczema on Ear | Eczema on Eyes | Nummular Eczema | Eczema on Face | Perioral Dermatitis
Weeping Eczema Pictures
Weeping Eczema Causes
It is often caused by an infection. Your skin can become infected if you scratch it too much or if it becomes cracked. This allows bacteria, viruses, or fungi to enter the exposed area. An infection can worsen eczema symptoms and make your condition more difficult to treat.
Signs of infection may include:
- blisters or pus on the skin
- skin that weeps a yellow, golden, or clear fluid
- dry crusts on the skin
- itching, soreness, or reddening of the skin
- worsening symptoms of eczema
- fever or flu-like symptoms
- small, red spots around body hair
Weeping Eczema Symptoms
- Usually, the first symptom of eczema is intense itching.
- The rash appears later and is red and has bumps of different sizes.
- The rash itches and may burn, especially in thin skin like the eyelids.
- If it is scratched, it may ooze and become crusty.
- In adults, chronic rubbing produces thickened plaques of skin.
How to manage It effectively?
Staphylococcus has been deduced as the major cause of discoid eczema. Hence, if the bacterial mode of the mechanism is controlled and watched, the skin condition can be managed.
Certain home remedies for weeping eczema can be implemented. If required, one can seek medical intervention to help overcome the resulting condition.
The major aim during the course of treatment is to prevent the colonization of bacteria and help build a barrier to limit the invasion.
Weeping Eczema Treatment & Home Remedies
If you are experiencing a mild case of eczema, where only a small area of the skin is affected, home based remedies can be adopted. However, a severe case requires immediate medical treatments.
Weeping eczema has been diagnosed after the usage of steroid creams in few individuals. However, the known theory supporting such cases are that the steroid creams prohibit the growth of the bacteria as soon as you stop using the cream, the bacteria invades the area and results.
1. Proper moisturizing of dry skin:
Discoid eczema causes cracks and open areas in the skin. A cracked skin will attract more bacteria and activate an immune response in the body. Don’t make things worse by withdrawing yourself from using moisturizers and creams. Ensure that the affected skin is properly moisturized to balance the hydration levels of the skin.
2. Bleach Baths to alleviate infection:
A known cause for discoid eczema is Staph infection. Bleach baths for Staph infection have proven to be beneficial in treating the infection and thus reducing the symptoms of eczema. A diluted bleach bath is highly recommended for people with mild to severe Atopic Dermatitis. The bleach bath helps prevent the growth of Staphylococcus bacteria. However, make sure to moisturize yourself well immediately after the bath.
Other Baths for eczema relief: Epsom Salt Bath , Oatmeal Bath, Baking Soda bath, Neem Oil & leaves, Aloe Vera & Apple Cider Vinegar
3. Increase your water intake:
You should increase your consumption of water. A bacterial attack makes the skin lose its natural water. Hence, these simple measures can be beneficial. Avoid or limit usage of water but make sure to clean the weeping area with water-soaked cotton or gauze.
4. Take a Tea Bath
Chamomile is fantastic at soothing the skin because it reduces inflammation, tames itchiness, and heals spots which may have been scratched at. Its benefits come from a natural alcohol known as a-bisabolol, it eases irritation, reduce inflammation, and has anti-microbial effects that can help ward off any germs that decide to take advantage of your skin in its weakened state.
5. Binge on water-based moisturizers for your weeping skin:
Instead of oil-based moisturizers, tend to use lotions or moisturizers that are water-based. The skin is deficient of water, hence, choose a product that prevents dryness along with keeping it moist.
6. Watch your diet-routine:
Include foods in your diet that don’t cause inflammation after consumption. Following such a diet will help build a stronger immune system that can fight against the bacteria in a better manner.
7. Try jojoba oil
It isn’t actually an oil, but a liquid wax. Eczema is a highly individual condition. So, not everybody can find success with coconut oil. So, you may need to try something else. It contains long chain fatty acids and fatty alcohols and is moisturizing. It can penetrate the skin deeply, and its molecular structure is similar of all the oils to that of our skins natural sebum.
8. Light therapy to treat the condition:
It is known that sunlight either completely kills or limits the count of the bacterial species. A reduced number will produce less impact hence, try to get adequate amount of sunlight to control the symptoms.
Also Read: Phototherapy Eczema – Advanced Treatment For Eczema
9. Cornstarch and Oil Mixture
Cornstarch, plain old cornstarch and water, can soothe paste all on its own. with just water, the cornstarch can wick away moisture which your skin needs in the case of eczema. You can mix it with olive or grape seed oil instead to balance this out and get extra moisturizing power.
How do you know if eczema is infected?
It doesn’t matter which part of the skin is affected, eczema is almost always itchy and dry. There are times when the itching starts even before the rash appears, but when it does, these rashes can be seen on the face, back of the knees, wrists, hands, or feet.
If you think your skin is infected, you should see your doctor as soon as possible so that it can be treated. Look out forthe following signs:
The eczema becomes suddenly worse, with redness, itching, and soreness.
- The skin is weepy with clear or yellow fluid.
The skin has blisters, or red/yellow pus spots appear.
You have a raised temperature, flu-like symptoms or swollen glands in the armpit, neck and groin.
What happens if Weeping Eczema is left untreated?
Individuals may face several complications when Eczema is left untreated. These can include neurodermatitis, eye complications, and skin infections. Eye complications and neurodermatitis can cause permanent damage to the body.
The condition can be stressful and may result in weight gain as well. Although, it may not turn out to be a life threatning condition but preventions, management and proper skin care regimen can surely offer you good results.
How often should you Shower with Weeping eczema?
Some dermatologists recommend taking a shower every other day or just two three times in a week. There are many individuals who have the habit of taking shower once a day so it all depends on the day, activity level and personal hygiene habits.
But excessive bathing can take away natural oils from the skin making it dry and flaky. Take short, lukewarms showers each day to help prevent dry skin condition. Use mild, soap-free cleansers or body washes that have moisturizer.
The best way to replace moisture in the skin is to soak in a bath solution or take a shower and then moisturize immediately afterward. Remember to pat dry you skin.
Also Read – Eczema and Bathing
Conclusion:
The suggested home remedies are effective, if the condition is caught at the right time. To prevent the symptoms from aggravating, it is highly recommended that you visit your dermatologist to get proper medical assistance.
Read Our In-Depth Guides On:
Contact Dermatitis | Neem Oil For Eczema | Atopic Dermatitis | Dyshidrotic Eczema | Eczema on Hands |
Eczema on Neck | Follicular Eczema | Eczema on Ear | Eczema on Eyes | Nummular Eczema |
Eczema on Face | Eczema In Babies | Eczema On legs | Eczema Pictures
