Infection and Eczema
Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe a cream combining a topical corticosteroid (to damp down inflammation) with an antibiotic, or an antibiotic to be taken by mouth.
Eczema Herpeticum
If someone with atopic eczema is infected with the cold sore virus herpes simplex, it can rapidly develop into a more serious condition called eczema herpeticum. Many healthy people catch herpes simplex in childhood. It is usually very mild, causing a few mouth or gum ulcers which may not even be noticed. A few children develop a lot of ulcers, which can be very painful and may make eating or drinking difficult.
Facts
- Emollients play a key role in preventing infection, as they reduce dryness and cracking
- Avoid using strong antiseptics, as they can irritate the skin
- Seek medical advice if infection is suspected
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Our bodies become immune after a first infection by herpes simplex; you tend not to catch it from anyone a second time. However, your own initial virus can become active again; causing small itchy blisters that quickly form a cold sore. This is how herpes simplex usually affects people who do not have eczema.
Eczema herpeticum may develop from a herpes simplex infection if you have eczema. Groups of small blisters, containing clear fluid or yellow pus, appear, break open and ulcerate the skin. Mild attacks are fairly common; the blisters may appear on a small area of skin and usually clear up within ten days. Further outbreaks may recur, usually in the same area. As with cold sores, although you will not catch eczema herpeticum from anyone after you have had it once, you will be liable to flare-ups of your own virus.
In more serious cases, the virus spreads quickly on first infection and affects large areas of the body. A high temperature and a general feeling of being unwell usually accompany it. It can affect anyone with eczema, no matter what their age. This form of eczema herpeticum is very dangerous, but not widely known. It is essential to contact a doctor immediately, and to ask him or her if the symptoms could be eczema herpeticum.
Severe attacks of eczema herpeticum are treated with a drug called acyclovir (Zovirax). Do not try to use Zovirax cream (available over the counter as a treatment for cold sores) against eczema herpeticum.
Always see a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect eczema herpeticum.
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