Eczema – Infections

Eczema has a propensity for developing infection within the eczematous plaques and I commonly encounter this scenario in both my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices.  When Eczema becomes infected, it becomes very treatment resistant and the rash tends to flare and spread.  Impetigo is a superficial bacterial infection due to Staph aureus or Streptococcus which develops a moist crusted yellow honey colored plaque.  This infection is usually treated with topical and systemic antibiotics.  Eczema Herpeticum, also called Kaposiform Varicelliform Eruption, is a very common viral infection that can occur in eczematous plaques.  Typically, Eczema Herpeticum is due to either HSV-1 or HSV-2.  Vesicles (blisters) or ulcers are seen in the eczematous areas and this virus can quickly spread to the rest of the skin and can cause blindness if it affects the eyes and in severe cases can be fatal.  Treatment is with antivirals such as Acyclovir or Valacyclovir.  Good atopic skin care is essential to prevent these skin infections.