Skin health is often ignored unless a person experiences skin symptoms that make them feel uncomfortable or in deep pain. Thus, getting regular health screening can help to know if a person should change their lifestyle or to get early treatment that can help mitigate most risk of a disease, including skin conditions associated. One of the skin diseases known as eczema can look similar to skin disease caused by fungi. Thus, is weeping eczema fungal?
Weeping eczema is a complication of eczema. It is often presented with the skin oozing clear or straw-coloured liquid. It can sometimes show up as small, fluid-filled blisters. Eczema is a general term used to describe a range of skin conditions that is characterised by reddish, itchy and inflamed skin. Thus, the answer to the question of weeping eczema fungal, certainly not.
Fungal on the other hand is a type of skin condition that is caused by fungal organisms. It may have symptoms like weeping eczema such as itchy and reddish skin as it involves the inflammation to the skin. It can be understandable how weeping eczema can be confused with fungal infection as fungal infection may be the cause for weeping eczema. Hence, when a person has symptoms associated with weeping eczema, it can be difficult to know if it really is weeping eczema or fungal infection, especially severe fungal infection.
Another reason why weeping eczema is not fungal is because there can be other microorganisms that can cause skin condition. Eczema itself causes the skin to break, making more chances for the microorganisms to enter through the scratched area. This then leads to infection. Commonly infections that occur are from bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, fungal infection such as Candida albicans and viruses such as herpes simplex virus.
Symptoms of weeping eczema are typically blisters that ooze and cause the skin to be wet. Once the blister dries, it will develop a yellow or orange layer of crust over the skin. It usually occurs in common areas with eczema such as the skinfolds like behind the knees and the front of the neck. Although, weeping eczema can occur anywhere on the body. In severe ones, it can cause fever, aches, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. This is especially true when the infection has entered the bloodstream.
Due to the fact that eczema can be symptoms of other skin conditions, it is best to get checked by a doctor. Doctor will look for signs for eczema first before ruling it is weeping eczema. After that, doctors will look for signs for the infection. They may ask for blood tests, bacteria culture, skin biopsy or even allergy tests.
Treatment aims to ease symptoms but there is no treatment to cure eczema itself. Usually, doctors will prescribe topical steroids to help reduce inflammation. Since steroids can cause thinning of the skin, doctors usually give this for a short period along with skin barrier creams. Furthermore, topical steroids for a long period of time can make eczema itself be difficult to treat and resistant to the medication. Topical antibiotics are usually given along as most weeping eczema may already have chances for bacterial infection despite it being caused by infection apart from bacteria itself. It is common doctors also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication by mouth. Occasionally, doctors may prescribe immunosuppressants to help certain types of eczema so that the immune system is not too reactive.
Apart from taking medication from doctors, patients may also want to take extra steps to ensure their skin heals better and faster. Home remedies such as colloidal oatmeal bath and using gentle soaps can help the skin to become more resilient and alleviate symptoms from the weeping dermatitis. Patients may also want to practise specific diets such as consuming anti-inflammatory foods. Probiotics is said to help those with eczema as it can help to improve immune health. It is important to note that if symptoms still persist or are severe, it is best to get checked by a doctor. This is especially true if the person has fever, chills and signs of infection with eczema.
It can be concluded that weeping eczema is not entirely fungal as it can be caused by other microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. Weeping eczema can be presented as blisters that ooze fluid and eventually dries to become a yellow or orange crusty layer. It is best when people have a history of eczema and suspected of infection to the eczema to get checked by doctors. Treatment is important to ensure the skin heals well and to alleviate symptoms. Getting the right medication is important as self-medication may pose danger with the risk of more side effects. Young children are at risk for complications from eczema, thus, best for parents to get medical advice if symptoms of the skin condition occur.