Weeping Eczema - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

Weeping eczema occurs when an individual gets a skin infection resulting in blisters or sores that flow out the fluid. The infection occurs when an individual abrades or removes an affected area on the skin, allowing microorganisms to enter the skin. It can occur in any individual with a skin infection. The condition is characterized by itching, dryness, and redness. When the infection becomes more severe, it flows out of the straw-colored or yellow-colored fluid from the blisters or sores on the skin. This fluid dries up and forms a crusty layer on the skin. The condition is also known as wet dermatitis or wet eczema. Weeping eczema can occur anywhere on the human body, including the face, hands, feet, elbows, or knees. Genetic and environmental factors can lead to the development of the condition. The condition affects more than 31 million people in the United States. The article discusses weeping eczema, its various causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

What Are the Various Types of Weeping Eczema?

Various types of weeping eczema are as follows:

• Atopic Dermatitis: It is the most common and chronic form of eczema. The affected areas are the face, elbows, neck, and knees. Red, itchy, and swollen oozing blisters characterize the weeping lesions. This fluid dries up and forms a crusted area.

• Contact Dermatitis: The condition is caused by an allergen or an irritant such as soap, dust, or mites. This can lead to inflammation, swelling, and redness.

• Dyshidrotic Eczema: The tiny, itchy, and fluid-filled blisters occur on the palm and feet. The symptoms include redness, pain, and itchy blisters. It can last up to a month.

• Nummular Eczema: The eczema is characterized by circular or oval-shaped spots on the arms and legs. The affected area may be itchy and worsens with exposure to irritants, leading to an extremely dry and itchy rash.

• Stasis Dermatitis: The condition occurs in the lower legs when the blood cannot pool back from the leg leading to ulcers, itching, and inflammation on the lower extremities.

• Neurodermatitis: The condition occurs due to severe itching on the skin that irritates the nerve ending.

What Are the Causes of Weeping Eczema?

The common causes of weeping eczema are as follows:

• Allergens: The condition can occur due to any allergic reaction, such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, foods, and medications.

• Irritants: Certain irritants can trigger the condition. The irritants include fragrances, chemicals, detergents, or excessive heat or cold.

• Dry Skin: Dry skin cracks that allow the entry of microorganisms into the skin leading to severe itching and inflammation.

• Genetic Factors: If an individual's family member or sibling has an allergic reaction, there are more chances of developing the condition.

• Microbial Infections: Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can enter through the cracked or broken skin leading to infection and inflammation.

• Stress: Stress can increase the chances of weeping eczema. It weakens the immune system and increases itching and inflammation.

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause can worsen the condition.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Weeping Eczema?

The signs and symptoms of weeping eczema are as follows:

• Weeping Skin Lesions: The main symptom of weeping eczema is weeping or oozing skin lesions. The small, tiny blisters or sores leak clear or yellow-colored fluid from the affected area leading to wet and sticky skin.

• Inflammation: The condition can lead to redness and inflammation in the affected area. The skin may look swollen and red. The inflammation may increase and involves surrounding areas.

• Itching: There may be severe itching leading to further irritation. The itching can worsen the condition.

• Crusty Layer: When the oozing fluid dries up, it forms a thick and crusty yellow layer on the affected area. This may lead to severe itching.

• Discomfort: An individual with the condition may feel pain and discomfort when the skin gets cracked and develops recurrent infections. Due to the lack of moisture in the affected area, the skin might be more prone to infections.

• Emotional Distress: The condition can impact an individual's emotional well-being. It can lead to anxiety, distress, and difficulty in sleeping.

How Is Weeping Eczema Diagnosed?

The healthcare provider may diagnose weeping eczema by medical history and physical examination of the affected area.

• Physical Examination: The healthcare provider will examine the affected area and look for the symptoms, including scaling, redness, inflammation, and crusting.

• Medical History: The healthcare provider may ask the patient about the symptoms, previous episodes of the condition, family history of an allergic reaction, or exposure to any irritants.

• Patch Testing: The healthcare provider may prescribe patch testing to identify specific allergens causing the condition.

• Skin Culture: The healthcare provider may collect the sample from the affected area. This will help identify the presence of bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

• Biopsy: The doctor may take a small sample from the affected area and send it to a laboratory for a microscopic examination.

How Is Weeping Eczema Treated?

The treatment options for weeping eczema are as follows:

• Topical Corticosteroids: The doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroid ointments or creams. This will help in reducing itching and inflammation.

• Antihistamines: The doctor may prescribe antihistamines that may help the patient reduce itching.

• Wet Dressings: The moisturizing or hydrating ointment can be applied on the affected area and may reduce inflammation and cool the skin.

• Probiotics: It keeps an individual healthy and fights against bacteria.

• Vitamins and Supplements: Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 can reduce inflammation.

• Home Remedies: Using gentle soaps and detergents. Dietary changes like anti-inflammatory foods can help the patient. Colloidal and diluted bleach bath helps kill the bacteria and soothe the skin.

Conclusion

Weeping eczema is a skin condition in which clear or yellow-colored fluid leaks from the affected area leading to severe itching and inflammation. The fluid, when it dries, forms a thick yellow crust layer. The cause can be genetic or environmental. Excessive dryness can also lead to the development of the condition. When the skin becomes dry it leads to invasion of the bacteria from the cracked skin and further worsens the condition. Treatment includes corticosteroids, antihistamines, wet dressings, and medications.