INFECTIVE ECZEMA

This is an eczema which occurs as a response to an oozing skin infection.
The most common localisation is the foot/ankle region, especially around
the instep. Causative organisms are usually staphylococci or
streptococci. The use of vaseline often aggravates the condition.
Management of infective eczema
- Stop the use of vaseline.
- Treat the infection with antibiotics (cloxacillin, erythromycin) and/or antiseptics
(betadine solution/scrub, GV paint, potassium permanganate baths).
- When dry, add a topical steroid, starting with hydrocortisone cream twice daily.
- Prevent recurrences by preventing irritation (no vaseline, sweating), habitual
scratching (instruct the patient, use aqueous cream, calamine lotion, keep
fingernails short, cover at night) and infection (use betadine scrub as a soap for
4 weeks).