Can atopic dermatitis cause bacterial skin infection?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a long-lasting skin condition that often causes dry, itchy skin and frequent flare-ups. When the skin’s natural barrier is weakened by inflammation and scratching, it becomes more vulnerable to infections, which is a common problem for people with AD.

Why are infections common in atopic dermatitis?

People with atopic dermatitis have a skin barrier that is weaker than it should be. This makes it easier for germs to get in. On top of that, the constant itching and scratching can cause tiny cracks or breaks in the skin, giving bacteria a way in.

The most common bacteria that cause infections in people with eczema are called Staphylococcus aureus. It often lives on the skin, especially in those with atopic dermatitis. If an infection takes hold, the affected skin can become:

1. More red and inflamed.

2. Swollen or tender.

3. Oozing fluid or forming crusts.

4. Painful or warm to the touch.

Lab tests, such as a higher white blood cell count (11,200 cells/µL) and increased C-reactive protein (CRP) of 8 mg/L, suggest your body is fighting inflammation or infection. Combined with signs like redness, swelling, and skin that is oozing, these point to a possible bacterial infection on top of eczema (a chronic, non-contagious skin condition causing itchy, dry, and inflamed skin).

The importance of treating both eczema and infection is that if eczema becomes infected, it is essential to treat both the infection and the eczema. Otherwise, the urge to scratch and ongoing skin damage can make the infection harder to clear up.

Treating infected eczema usually means using a mix of different approaches:

You may use topical antibiotics. If the infection is just in a small area, your doctor might suggest using an antibiotic cream or ointment to help stop the bacteria from spreading. And oral antibiotics, if the infection is more extensive, painful, or associated with significant swelling and oozing, oral antibiotics may be required to clear the infection effectively.

Anti-inflammatory treatment for eczema. Once the infection is under control, your doctor may prescribe medicines to calm down the eczema, like:

1. Topical corticosteroids to reduce redness and itching.

2. Topical calcineurin inhibitors for sensitive areas or long-term maintenance.

3. These treatments help your skin heal and make you less likely to feel itchy.

Use intensive moisturization. Using thick, fragrance-free moisturizers regularly is key. They help fix the damaged skin barrier and keep your skin from getting too dry or itchy.

You can consider taking gentle skin care measures, like

1. Wash with gentle, soap-free cleansers.

2. Try to avoid hot showers.

3. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry (do not rub it).

4. Put on moisturizer right after you bathe to help lock in moisture.

You must try to refrain from scratching. Because scratching can make eczema and infections worse. And to do so, you may:

1. Keeping fingernails short

2. Take any anti-itch medicine your doctor has recommended, if you need it.

3. Keep using your moisturizer often to help with dryness and irritation.

To help prevent future infections, you can try:

1. Keep your skin moisturized regularly.

2. Start treating eczema flare-ups as soon as they appear.

3. Stay away from harsh soaps, detergents, and anything that irritates your skin.

4. Wear soft, breathable clothes; cotton is a great choice.

See your doctor if your skin gets redder, more painful, or starts to ooze.

For people who keep getting infections, doctors might suggest special treatments like antiseptic washes or bleach baths, but only use these if your doctor tells you to.

Contact your dermatologist right away if you notice any of these signs:

1. Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth in the skin.

2. Pus or significant oozing from lesions.

3. Fever or worsening pain.

4. Rapid spread of the rash.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.