Weeping eczema causes the skin to itch and weep clear or yellow fluid. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition.

Weeping eczema means you have eczema with pus-filled blisters. These sores literally weep, resulting in oozing or wetness. The pus is usually yellow or clear in color and eventually dries up as a crusty layer on your skin.

Keep reading to learn more about what causes weeping eczema and how to treat it.

Weeping eczema 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.

Symptoms 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
  • swollen glands in the neck, armpit, or groin area

A common bacterium, Staphylococcus or staph, is the cause of most infections in people with eczema. Staph can easily get onto broken skin.

A virus called herpes simplex or the cold sore virus can also enter the skin. It can lead to a serious infection known as eczema herpeticum. In addition to weeping eczema, eczema herpeticum can cause itchy blisters and fever.

Fungal infections, such as tinea (commonly known as ringworm), are another problem that can sometimes cause skin infections in people with eczema. In addition to weeping blisters, ringworm causes red, itchy, scaly, or raised patches of skin with a red ring on the outer edge.

When to consult a doctor

You should see a doctor or healthcare professional right away if your skin is weeping and you suspect an infection. The sooner you receive treatment, the quicker your condition can clear.

A doctor will examine the affected skin and may swab the area to determine what type of infection you have. That will help them determine an appropriate treatment for your condition.

If your skin is weeping and infected, your treatment will depend on the type of infection you have.

Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics may be administered as a cream, ointment, tablet, or syrup. Antibiotics are sometimes given along with a topical steroid.

Viral infections are typically treated with antiviral tablets. If your viral infection is severe, you may need to receive these medications intravenously in a hospital setting.

Fungal infections are treated with antifungal creams or ointments. If there is both dermatitis and a fungal infection, your doctor might prescribe a topical steroid.

It’s important that you continue to take your usual oral or topical medications for eczema unless a doctor tells you to stop treatment.

Home remedies for weeping eczema

Certain methods, such as using bandages to wrap skin and keep it moisturized and protected, shouldn’t be used if you have an infection unless a doctor tells you otherwise.

Some people report improved symptoms with other approaches such as:

  • Antiseptic emollients: A doctor may recommend these products to help hydrate your skin and protect it from bacteria.
  • Wet wrap therapy: This involves soaking in lukewarm water, moisterizing and helping to treat or prevent eczema. Research shows it may help with severe eczema symptoms, and may help some stop taking certain medications and get better sleep.
  • Stress management exercises: Studies show that stress may be related to worsening of eczema symptoms. Certain techniques to lower stress, such as exercise, meditation, or yoga, may help your condition.
  • Behavior modification or biofeedback: These methods are sometimes used to help you stop scratching your skin.
  • Diet: Some people report improvement when they change their diet. Avoiding trigger foods may help. Research is currently being conducted on the use of probiotics and prebiotics for the treatment and prevention of eczema.

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The success of your treatment will depend on the severity of your infection. Most of the time, your symptoms will clear up with the proper treatment. Occasionally, very severe infections may require hospitalization.

Get help right away if you develop weeping eczema so a doctor can prescribe proper treatment and prevention strategies.

Keeping eczema symptoms under control may help lower your chances of developing an infection. You can help prevent weeping eczema by doing the following:

  • Avoid scratching: No matter how much your skin itches, try not to scratch it. Scratching carries with it a major risk of infection. Keep your fingernails short, and if the itching becomes bothersome, try using a cold compress.
  • Use a humidifier: Dry indoor air can trigger itching and flaking of the skin. A humidifier adds moisture to the air in your home and protects your skin from drying up.
  • Moisturize skin: Cracks and open areas in the skin can provide an easy entry for bacteria. It’s important to moisturize your skin at least twice a day. The best time to apply a moisturizer is when your skin is still damp after getting out of the shower or bath.
  • Avoid harsh soaps: Stay away from soaps that are made with harsh perfumes or dyes. If you do use these products, rinse them completely from your body when showering.
  • Wear proper clothing: Choose clothing that’s cool, smooth, and made of cotton. This will lower your chance of experiencing skin irritation.

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about weeping eczema.

Weeping eczema is a skin condition caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It usually results in redness, swelling, and oozing of fluid from the affected area.

Eczema is a general term for the condition, whereas weeping eczema specifically refers to the oozing and blistering of the skin caused by an infection. Weeping eczema often requires additional treatment, such as antibiotics or topical steroids, compared with regular eczema.

Treatment depends on the cause of the infection. In some cases, antibiotics, antifungals, or topical steroids may be prescribed. Other treatments include using a humidifier, avoiding scratching, and moisturizing skin regularly.

Several steps can help prevent weeping eczema, such as avoiding harsh soaps, wearing loose clothing, and moisturizing your skin regularly. You may also want to avoid scratching the affected area and use a cool compress on it if necessary.

Weeping eczema is a layperson’s description of how people with eczema (sometimes contact dermatitis) experience more exuberant edema in the skin. It’s usually caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, but it can also develop from a secondary injection.

If you develop this condition, consider seeking medical advice. Proper treatment and prevention strategies may help keep the infection under control and reduce symptoms. Remember to moisturize your skin, avoid scratching, and wear cotton clothing.

Prescription treatments may include antibiotics, antifungals, or topical steroids. Understanding the potential causes and the importance of looking for medical help can help you stay ahead of the condition and keep your skin healthy.