Identifying Eczema or a Skin Infection in 3 Simple Ways

Many newborns and young toddlers suffer from a skin ailment known as eczema. Eczema often causes moderate symptoms such as dry, itchy, and flaky skin, but it can worsen and cause more serious problems. When bacteria, viruses, and other germs penetrate the body through bleeding and cracked skin, the more severe types of this disorder can result in skin infections.

It can be challenging for parents to distinguish between a skin infection and the more severe type of eczema in their child. Fortunately, there are some rules to adhere to. Here are three techniques to determine whether your child has eczema or a skin infection if they have swollen, itchy, crusty, or leaking skin.

Seek Out Indicators of Visible Infection

Finding out if your child has something more than eczema involves first looking for indications of infection on their skin. Naturally, things aren't always simple. Typically, eczema is scaly, red, and itchy. Because of all the inflammation, the skin may even look weepy, oozy, or crusty during the flare-up.

Nevertheless, bacterial skin infections typically show up as a red, hot, swollen, and sensitive rash that frequently has pus along with it. Virus-induced skin infections typically manifest as painful, itchy red welts or blisters. Fungal infections, on the other hand, typically show up as a red, scaly, itchy rash with sporadic pustules. All things considered, your child likely has an infection if they have pus-filled blisters, crusts that are yellow or orange in colour, swollen red pimples, or red streaks that are spreading across their skin.

Look for Further Symptoms in Your Child

You can keep an eye out for additional non-skin-related symptoms that children who have an infection frequently encounter. Fever is the most obvious indicator of an infection. It's critical to seek medical attention right away if your child has a high fever and a rash that is spreading quickly. Chills, weariness, achiness, and general malaise are examples of flu-like symptoms that are also indicators of an infection.

It's also important to call your paediatrician if your youngster complains of a sore throat or has enlarged lymph nodes. Generally speaking, any divergence from your child's typical eczema symptoms could indicate that there's something else going on, even if they don't have a fever.

The Rash Is Not Healing With Normative Treatments

The majority of children with eczema follow a set course of treatment. This could entail using moisturisers or ointments, giving your child specific baths, utilising wet-wrap therapy, or going through another procedure that your dermatologist or paediatrician has recommended. Although eczema cannot be cured, these therapies typically help to lessen its symptoms.

However, if your child's skin rash seems to get worse as a result of their treatment plan, this could indicate an infection. Why? Eczema treatments may make an infection worse.

Treatments for infections, whether bacterial, viral, or otherwise, are not the same as those for eczema in children. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotic creams and tablets. Fungal infections are treated with antifungal tablets and lotions. Viral infections are also treated with antiviral medications and lotions, or even with straightforward supportive care.

FAQs

How do you treat eczema fungus?

Typically, a fungal treatment (miconazole cream, also available from a pharmacy over-the-counter) is prescribed by the doctor or nurse to observe if the lesions heal up and the skin reacts. An oral antifungal medication is required for tinea infections of the scalp or nails. This will need to be prescribed by your GP.

Is it OK to put antifungal cream on eczema?

A steroid cream may also be prescribed by them to lessen the resulting swelling and discolouration. Antifungal creams or medications are necessary for fungal infections. In a similar vein, a fungal-infected eczema rash could benefit from a steroid cream. There are over-the-counter antifungal creams that could aid with the infection.

Is fungal eczema curable?

If fungus is detected, your physician can recommend a topically applied antifungal ointment. Although there is no cure for eczema, there are numerous treatment alternatives.

How do I know if my eczema is fungal?

Virus-induced skin infections typically manifest as painful, itchy red welts or blisters. Fungal infections, on the other hand, typically show up as a red, scaly, itchy rash with sporadic pustules.

Conclusion

In general, consult your dermatologist or paediatrician whenever you are unsure. Alternatively, get immediate care if you have a high temperature or any other concerning symptoms. Though it's best to be sure, not everything red and swollen is indicative of an infection.