Eczema can sometimes break out in blisters that ooze or “weep” clear fluid. This weeping eczema is especially vulnerable to infections. Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus can sneak into the cracks in the skin’s protective barrier and turn that clear fluid into infected pus.
Small areas of weeping eczema from colonization can usually be treated at home naturally, and will probably benefit from the tips in this article, however if your baby has large eczema areas that are severely covered with Staph A, signs of an infection including fever, lesions with blood or pus, chills and shivers, or other serious symptoms be sure to seek immediate medical attention.
Here are the natural creams to soothe and heal weeping skin for your baby. Be sure to follow the directions on the product and to stop use if there are adverse reactions.
Other Natural Treatments for Weeping Eczema
Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet helps the body reduce inflammation by supplying the body with naturally occurring phytonutrients found in fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods and by avoiding foods that cause inflammation like processed meats and refined carbohydrates. Incorporating foods like leafy greens, seasonal vegetables, fish and berries in the breastfeeding mom’s diet will help provide the necessary nutrients and vitamins to keep the baby’s immune system in check. Supplementing with a high quality fish oil and probiotic can be beneficial as well.
Check Out: Supplements for Mom and Baby to Help Treat Baby Eczema for the list of probiotics and other supplements that help repair and heal the gut and reduce eczema symptoms.
In addition to trying an anti-inflammatory diet, undergoing an elimination diet can be very helpful too. Determining and then eliminating certain trigger foods has been shown to be extremely effective in reducing weeping eczema naturally. For more information on how to get started see, Diet and Meal Planning for Baby Eczema and Allergies
Just a little bit of sun can kill bacteria on the skin, not to mention Vitamin D can be a powerful tool in fighting eczema. If you live in a climate that doesn’t get much sun or only does on a seasonal basis, consider giving baby a vitamin D supplement. You should also increase water intake, because well-hydrated skin is less prone to cracking and infection.
Tips for Preventing Skin Infections
Keeping eczema symptoms under control may help lower your baby’s chances of developing an infection. You can help prevent weeping eczema by doing the following:
- Avoid scratching. Babies who have eczema that itches should be monitored to prevent scratching as much as possible. Scratching carries with it a major risk for infection. Keep baby’s fingernails short, and if the itching becomes bothersome, try using a cold compress or cold rinse in the area.
- Take baths. Taking frequent baths or showers can reduce bacteria and remove dead skin. Use warm — not hot — water when bathing. Instead of rubbing, pat skin dry.
- 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 the body when showering.
- Wear proper clothing. Choose clothing that’s cool, smooth, and made of cotton. This will lower your baby’s chance of experiencing skin irritation.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces. When cleaning and disinfecting, focus on surfaces that frequently contact your baby’s bare skin like the car seat, high chair, swing, and crib. Check the disinfectant product’s label on the back of the container. Most, if not all, disinfectant manufacturers will provide a list of germs on their label that their product can destroy. Find the ones that are effective against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or staph. These products are readily available from grocery stores and other retail stores.
- Limit the spread of bacteria in your washing machine. To prevent germs lingering in your washing machine or on your clean clothes, you should clean your washing machine itself. Once a week, run an empty cycle with just a cup of bleach or of vinegar. This will disinfect your washer, and prevent germs from hanging out in the drum. You need to do this regularly to keep the machine sanitary.
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus thrives on weeping or broken skin. In cases of a staph infection, eczema spreads more quickly and makes healing more difficult. Infected eczema is a complication of eczema, but it can produce its own problems and issues.
The success of your treatment will depend on the severity of your baby’s skin. Most of the time, the symptoms will clear up with the proper treatment and prevention.
Next: Best Washes & Shampoos for Babies with Eczema
