Treating Skin Infections Make an Appointment Refer a Patient Ask a Question Reviewed by Mark Boguniewicz, MD (May 01, 2015) Infections with bacteria and viruses are common among eczema patients. For instance, over 90 percent of patients have the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus on their skin, and the breaks in the skin barrier caused by the rash and by scratching can lead to infection. Proper skin care measures directed at maintaining a healthy skin barrier are a key part of reducing bacterial colonization or infection. In addition, topical anti-inflammatory medications including steroids and calcineurin inhibitors reduce the ability of bacteria to bind to the skin. For small, localized bacterial infections, a prescription topical antibiotic called mupirocin is often used. This is an ointment usually applied to the affected area three times per day for one to two weeks. The brand name of this drug is Bactroban. Oral antibiotics are used for more extensive or more severe skin infections. A skin culture done with a cotton swab may be helpful to determine if bacteria are sensitive or resistant to different antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is becoming a more common problem for patients with atopic dermatitis. Viral infection is another complication of eczema. Herpes simplex is a common viral culprit. Anti-infective drugs such as oral acyclovir or valcyclovir may be prescribed for localized outbreaks but intravenous acyclovir may be needed for more wide-spread infection. If there is any possibility of ocular involvement, then evaluation by an eye specialist as soon as possible is necessary. Good skin hydration is also important in restoring the skin barrier to protect against infectious agents. Cleansers can also decrease skin colonization by bacteria. Some dermatologists have been prescribing dilute bleach baths, especially for patients with recurrent MRSA. However, these may be very irritating for some patients and since the nose is a main reservoir of staph bacteria, patients often get quickly re-colonized. Psychological Counseling Wet Wrap Therapy Clinical Trials For more than 100 years, National Jewish Health has been committed to finding new treatments and cures for diseases. Search our clinical trials. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) & Skin-Infection Risk × Safely Get the Care You Need We are ready to help you stay healthy with many same-day appointments available and are taking every precaution to ensure your safety. To make an appointment, call 303.398.1355 or schedule online today. COVID-19 Testing and Care Swab (PCR) and Antibody testing appointments can be booked online and are available with results in 24-48 hours. If you are experiencing symptoms, we have same-day appointments in our adult and pediatric COVID-19 treatment clinics in dedicated areas. We also offer care for those wo have had COVID-19 in our Center for Post-COVID-19 Care and Recovery. Learn more about our specialized COVID-19 care. Vaccine Information The vaccine has arrived and we are working through Colorado’s state-guided phases of vaccination. Visit our COVID-19 Vaccines page for more information on timing and availability. Close
Reviewed by Mark Boguniewicz, MD (May 01, 2015) Infections with bacteria and viruses are common among eczema patients. For instance, over 90 percent of patients have the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus on their skin, and the breaks in the skin barrier caused by the rash and by scratching can lead to infection. Proper skin care measures directed at maintaining a healthy skin barrier are a key part of reducing bacterial colonization or infection. In addition, topical anti-inflammatory medications including steroids and calcineurin inhibitors reduce the ability of bacteria to bind to the skin. For small, localized bacterial infections, a prescription topical antibiotic called mupirocin is often used. This is an ointment usually applied to the affected area three times per day for one to two weeks. The brand name of this drug is Bactroban. Oral antibiotics are used for more extensive or more severe skin infections. A skin culture done with a cotton swab may be helpful to determine if bacteria are sensitive or resistant to different antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is becoming a more common problem for patients with atopic dermatitis. Viral infection is another complication of eczema. Herpes simplex is a common viral culprit. Anti-infective drugs such as oral acyclovir or valcyclovir may be prescribed for localized outbreaks but intravenous acyclovir may be needed for more wide-spread infection. If there is any possibility of ocular involvement, then evaluation by an eye specialist as soon as possible is necessary. Good skin hydration is also important in restoring the skin barrier to protect against infectious agents. Cleansers can also decrease skin colonization by bacteria. Some dermatologists have been prescribing dilute bleach baths, especially for patients with recurrent MRSA. However, these may be very irritating for some patients and since the nose is a main reservoir of staph bacteria, patients often get quickly re-colonized. Psychological Counseling Wet Wrap Therapy