Infected Eczema Action Plan
Infected Eczema Action Plan
Printable one page action plan on infected eczema - signs of infected eczema, care of infected eczema, when to go back to your doctor or nurse.
Printable one page action plan on infected eczema (PDF, 423KB).
Signs of infected eczema
- weeping crusted areas
- lots of pustules (yellow/white pimples)
- sudden flaring of eczema all over the body
- shivering, painful skin
- painful chicken pox-like blisters and sores – this can be the cold sore virus – see your doctor urgently
Care of infected eczema
Antibiotic medicine/tablets
- take the antibiotic every day until it is finished
Bath or shower
- bath or shower every day to clean the skin
- use warm water and a soft cloth to gently soak and lift off any crusts
- use a soap-free wash such as non-ionic cream, aqueous cream, emulsifying ointment - don't use soap and bubble bath as these make the skin dry
- antiseptic baths 2 times a week can help - see antiseptic or bleach bath instructions
Steroid creams and ointments
- apply steroid to all red and itchy skin (active eczema) once a day. Immediately after the bath is best
- use enough to make the skin shiny
Steroid for the face/neck: ________________________________________
- when the skin is no longer red and itchy stop using the steroid but keep moisturising - if eczema comes back start using the steroid again
Moisturiser (emollient)
- smooth on lots of moisturiser many times a day to keep the skin soft - apply all over, not just where there is eczema
- aim to finish a 500g tub every 2–3 weeks
When to go back to your doctor/nurse
- if the infection is not improving after 2–3 days of treatment
- if other people in the house have skin infections – they also need to get treatment
- if your child is missing school, getting lots of skin infections or not sleeping well because of eczema
This page last reviewed 26 June 2019.
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