Hi everyone! As this amazing Flawless community starts to grow, I’ve noticed that there have been a lot more questions about eczema diet, dealing with eczema naturally, etc. It’s a wonderful thing to hear more from you, because it means that we are growing, and I couldn’t be happier to be part of a community of people, starting to clear their skin naturally!
As you know, I always try to talk about the big eczema issues that come up, so today I want to address a BIG problem that has recently been seen in more and more in eczema sufferers: the dreaded weeping eczema. Weeping eczema is eczema that is wet, weeping or that looks like fluid-filled blisters.
It’s also something that many of you have been emailing me about, so I thought that a great post about it was long overdue. 🙂
There is a lot to cover on this topic, but if you take the time to read this, you may find that it is one of the most helpful and useful guides on weeping eczema there is!
Today we talk about:
– The different types of weeping eczema
– The ONE major factor for weeping eczema
– Weeping eczema after stopping steroid creams?
– How to get rid of weeping eczema!
If you had any question about weeping eczema, and are stuck not knowing what to do about it, this article is for you!
The different types of weeping eczema
I always had a history of dry eczema, so the first time I got the weeping kind, I was so puzzled about what to do about it! At first, my breakouts started off how they normally did – small red bumps, sometimes just one, but sometimes in groups of two or three. However, instead of going away, within days these small red bumps, quickly turned into itchy, weeping lesions all over my knees and ankles! Later, as an adult, I would experience more weepy eczema breakouts, this time on my legs and arms.
I didn’t know this at the time, but it turns out there are actually two types of weeping eczema: primary and secondary.
Primary types refer to the blistering types of eczema, such as dysrodhitc eczema, nummular eczema or discoid eczema. These can vary from just one or two blisters, or small crops of more than three. These look like blisters and contain a clear fluid. This fluid can leak through the skin’s epidermis if scratched, bumped, or picked at (very common to happen), which is where the primary term “weeping eczema” comes from.
Secondary types refer to the weeping caused by a secondary problem, and is often confused with primary types. The biggest difference between the two is that secondary weeping eczema happens after your initial breakout, in response to outside bacteria or foreign items. Secondary types can occur over large areas of the body, or over areas of previously dry eczema. Secondary types contain milky or yellow fluid.
If you’re not sure you have weeping eczema, check out my friend Nav’s post here for weeping eczema pictures. It can help you know what to look for.
Getting to the root of ALL weeping
I’m going to mainly focus on secondary weeping in this article, as this is the one that affects a lot of eczema sufferers. Now you might have heard things about weeping eczema before like: “it’s just your body pushing out toxins”, “you need to detoxify your blood”, or “the weeping is normal”. I used to think some of these things myself, however as it turns out, many of these statements aren’t all that accurate.
Let me explain.
On your skin there lives a thriving community of bacteria, called Staphylococcus Aureus (or Staph A.) These are located in heavy concentrations around your nose, mouth, ears, privates, as well as just on your skin itself.
According to research, the BIGGEST factor (if not the only factor) that causes weeping on your skin, is due to these bacteria.
Now don’t worry, just because you have this bacteria, doesn’t mean you have MRSA (a really bad Staph infection). Actually Staphylococcus Aureus (or Staph A.) is (usually) a harmless bacteria that lives on the surface of everyone’s skin.
Mother Nature, in her infinite wisdom, helps us manage these bacteria, by blessing our skin with natural antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides, that help to keep these staph A bacteria under control. Research shows that these natural antimicrobial peptides, help prevent against the colonisation of staph on the skin.
However, (and this is where it gets weepy), NOT EVERYONE has the same amount of this natural protection. We all know the friend who always has amazing skin, no matter who many times she bruises or scratches it, right? Well if you have eczema, your cut or scratch, might turn into a bigger one!
Studies show that many eczema sufferers tend to have impaired skin barriers, which means that along with your skin being more prone to dryness, you are also lacking natural antibiotics to keep these skin bacteria at bay.
In fact, the National Eczema Association and recently (2015), the American Micro-biome Institute, suggests that the primary cause of weeping eczema comes from these bacteria.
Here are some facts:
– It is estimated that more than 90% of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis have been shown to be colonized with Staph Aureus bacteria.
– Staph A. drives inflammation of the skin
– Staph A. drives histamine release and itchiness
– Bacteria colonization on the skin activates an immune response in the body (so if you have auto-immune eczema, this bacteria can make things worse or make you break out more. )
– Staph A increases IgE’s in your blood, which can make you more sensitive to other allergens, leading to more breakouts
– Staph A. appears to occur at relatively high abundances in the areas of skin that are affected (so if you have areas of eczema that are bigger, you have a higher concentration of Staph bacteria)
– Finally, in a study done on mice, when Staph. Aureus was inoculated onto the skin of the mice, they developed eczema rapidly! Yikes!
As you can see, one of the biggest factors in weeping eczema is this Staph A. Bacteria. If it gets out of control, it can make you more itchy, your areas more weepy, and overall affect your skin – making it hard for even your primary eczema to heal.
Weeping eczema after stopping steroid creams?
While primary and secondary weeping eczema are well-known in the medical world, some people can still experience weeping eczema when they first stop using steroid creams. Why is this?
One doctor found that the steroids in the cream itself, indirectly kills Staph A, making it near to impossible for Staph A to colonize the area where you put your steroid cream.
In other words, when you use a steroid cream, the bacteria doesn’t like it and leaves the area alone. So when you stop using it — the bacteria comes back, sets up camp, and you experience weeping! This is especially the case if you have open eczema areas, where a higher concentration of Staph is likely to be found.
When to see a doctor
Before moving further, bear in mind that simple staph colonization is not the same as a staph infection.
Small areas of weeping eczema from colonization can usually be treated at home, and will probably benefit from the tips in this article, however if you have large eczema areas that are severely covered with Staph A, then it’s important to check with your doctor to rule out any complications such as a Staph infection.
Some signs you have staph infection:
– You have on and off fevers (the first sign of infection)
– You have large eczema lesions with blood and/or yellow pus
– It is painful to stand or walk
– Chills and shivers
– The weeping goes away for a while, but then comes back, over and over (a sign that your body is fighting the bacteria, but not necessarily winning)
If the infection is serious, your doctor may suggest taking an oral antibiotic. If it’s not so serious, an antibiotic cream might be recommended to kill the Staph bacteria.
Of course, if you have weeping eczema, PLEASE consult your doctor immediately! Especially if you have signs of an infection like a high fever or chills.
What to do when you have weeping eczema
Weeping eczema is primarily caused and/or worsened by colonization of Staph A. If you experiencing weeping after steroid creams or you find your eczema is just weeping in general, here are some things that can help you!
Deeply moisturize dry cracked skin.
– Cracks and open areas are one of the biggest problems when you have weeping eczema. Staph A bacteria cause the most damage when they get underneath the skin’s tissues. When your skin cracks, it will draw in more bacteria, and it can also set-off alarm bells with your immune system!
It goes without saying that when you have weeping skin, it is NOT the time to do a “moisturizer withdrawal” (a process where you wean off moisturizers to let your skin produce its own moisture.)
A moisturizer withdrawal won’t be effective if you have a bacterial problem. It can just make things worse! Save that for later, when your skin is no longer cracked and under attack by bacteria.
For now, your skin needs all the moisture it can get!
Put water back in
You might find it funny that when you have weeping eczema, you need MORE water. So let me explain.
When your skin is under attack by bacteria, it tends to lose a lot of its natural water. While drinking 8 glasses of water daily can help, it might be better to be proactive and PHYSICALLY put water back into your skin.
I wouldn’t recommend soaking your entire body in a bath or going into a swimming pool (as it could make other parts of your body exposed to the bacteria), instead you can just put water back into the weeping areas itself, to keep the bacteria contained.
For example, soaking gauze or cotton in water, and then putting that on your weeping areas. You could also use Epsom salts instead of just regular water.
Use a water-based moisturizer
Did you notice that your weeping eczema never gets better with oils? This is because oils are made of fat, and when your skin is weeping and dehydrated it needs… water! Not fat.
Using a lotion which is primarily made up of water, might be better to keep your skin hydrated when you have weeping eczema.
Remove the bacteria crusts
Many people tend to mix up normal crusts with bacteria crusts. So let me tell you the biggest difference.
A normal crust is called an eschar, and it is hardened, flat and doesn’t have much weeping. Much like the ones you got when you were young and accidentally scraped your knee.
A bacteria crust, however, is weeping to the touch, is full of yellow or milky substance, puffy, and sometimes red. These are the signs of bacteria colonization!
Bacterial crusts are like the bacteria’s houses, and should always be removed with a gentle soap or cleanser like saline solution.
Use natural light therapy
Who’s afraid of the sun? Staph A bacteria! It reduces their numbers, and is very helpful to lessen their impact.
If you can, try to get adequate sunlight to kill off the bacteria. 5-10 minutes a day, is usually enough!
Keep a low-inflammatory diet
Finally, keeping a low inflammatory diet (like on the program) can help to reduce Staph A bacteria. A low inflammatory diet helps immune system health, which will help you fight these bacteria, and also help your eczema improve in the long-run.
Conlcusion: follow the steps above to get rid of weeping eczema!
Well there you have it, I really hope that you liked this article and that it helped you understand more about the causes of weeping eczema, and most importantly, what to do about it.
I had couple of situations where my primary eczema turned into a bacteria colonization, so along with my program, I tried to incorporate all of the above into my skin routine.
Here is how I got rid of my weeping eczema:
– First, I would clean the areas with cotton and saline solution, gently removing any yellow crusts where those bacteria lived.
– Then, I took more cotton and dipped them in a solution of Epsom salts + water. I placed this on my weeping areas, and let them soak in all the water!
– After pat drying the area, I applied a lotion moisturizer around the weeping areas where my skin was badly cracked. I also put a layer directly on the areas itself, to thoroughly hydrate the area. (My skin felt so good already!)
– Finally, I got my 10 minutes of sunlight and then followed up again with more moisturizer as my skin was very cracked at the time.
Doing the steps above, helped the weeping stop within DAYS. Which is why I wanted to share this with you! As someone who struggled with this for years, it makes me want to help others who might have it too.
Hopefully, this article helps you finally know what causes it and what to do about it. 🙂
How do you deal with weeping eczema? Did these tips help you? Leave me a comment below!
PS: Don't know where to start? Sign up to my free series The Clear Skin Plan !
I’ve had staph aureus a number of times due to Tsw. Little did I know what you just mentioned but I was doing almost all things you said in your article. Whenever I saw crusting, I would clean the crust, pat dry and apply Manuka honey cream to help moisturize as well as kill the bacteria. I did this several times a day till eventually my oozing crusts went away. I still have lots of healing to do but for the most part my body has healed significantly with much of the advice I read from your blog. Thank you Christina for spreading awareness to others suffering with eczema.
Oh thanks for the great tip with the Manuka honey cream! I think any water-based moisturizer would help as long as you avoid the cracking. Glad you liked the article! 🙂
You mention above to avoid the cracking. Are you supposed to apply the lotion just around the cracked area and avoid the actual cracks?
Hi my little one has weeping eczema in his scalp at the base near his neck after reading you post im excited to help him
Thanks. I will try your recommendations. Except I can’t very well expose the area affected to the sun. I would have to be almost naked. Plus I cannot lie in the sun or be in it for 10 minutes because of medications. I also cannot spread my legs wide enough in a chair to let sun hit them. So I’m going to get a vitamin D supplement from my doctor.
there is a herb called yellow doc root which effectively help with weeping eczema
Hi Just reading this I have had weeping eczema for the past 7 months. I have had bad infections twice in it . I have been using coconut oil to moisturise which hurts when it soaks in . Water, as in baths showers always makes it drier more itchy red and inflamed . I have been avoiding water on the areas to try to help . I am prepared to try if you can recommend a water based lotion
Yeah, I had the same problem! Oil doesn’t work so well because when your skin is dehydrated it needs water — not fat. At the time I used a colodial oatmeal lotion that I picked up at a local pharmacy. But any lotion would work as you just need it to hydrate the skin.
My skin was so bad everything I tried to use made it sting and burn to tears and I could only put something frozen on it to make it go away. I still have so long to go as my hydrocortisone only keeps flare ups away but my skin is still red blotches and embarrassing.. However when I got the flare up starting to get under control the lotion that has worked best in YEARS is Avene lotion which is sold in the beauty department in Shoppers Drug Marts. Veryy natural lotion with minimal ingredients so it minimizes my flare ups. Like I said I still have a long way to go but this has helped me so hopefully it will help you too!
ahh, i so needed this information!!! thank you for your knowledge!
So glad it could help! Feel free to share it with someone who needs it too. 🙂
Does this permanently heal? Because I’ve had this for 5-6 years now around my lips and it irritates the shit out of me! ever since then I’ve been treating it most likely ever day.When ever it will heal I’ll stop Treating it. 2-3 days later Back again it comes!!!! Is there a way to permanently heal it? If so please tell me how!?
OMG I get the eczema on my mouth too had it since I was a baby so my whole life it’s the worst! Fully sympathise as I have never seen anyone else with it around mouth!! Can’t get rid off ?
This article could have not come sooner. I am going through a breakout right now. Thanks again for posting this.
Glad to hear it got you at the right time. Best of luck with managing your breakouts!
Hi christina, tq for the well worded article… i tried to explain to some friends about importance of moisturisers and why not withdrawal…
What about aloe vera gel ?
Thanks
Yes aloe vera gel would work.
Thank you for this article. My son is only 4 and it makes me feel helpless that I can’t get this to stop. He is to little to be going through this so to find some help is very appreciated. And I will definitely try aloe Vera gel.
Have you tried any diet changes for him? Do you have any pets?
Omg!!! The entire article makes so much sense! I’m having a hereditary type of eczema, it started from my elbow, after healing it stayed on my knee for a few years and now my lips is affected. It’s a staph 2 so I’ve been in agony because I’ve always had staph 1 while it was on my elbows and knee (and ears too while I was a child). I’ve been using steroid creams that helped a little bit and drinking a lot of water after- but never knew about Epson salt + water application before. Would definitely give it a go because my condition is a come and go on a holiday sort of situation- and worse I tend to have stress pretty often mentally.
What types of moisturizers do you use that aren’t irritating? I have been using Vanicream since I am allergic to a few things but even it irritates the open cracks on my fingers.
Hi! I’m attaching a link here to a couple of natural creams that I wrote about on the site . They’re natural creams for eczema, and don’t contain harmful chemicals.
I have tried many moisturizers an irritate my skin. Oils do nothing. I found that after soaking my skin in Epson salts I immediately apply Shea Butter. I love it .
I love shea butter 🙂
Hi Christina… thankyou for your thorough explanations…it all makes sense! I have read on various articles that the ooze/crust expels a lot of interstitial fluid which contains protein and other substances. Is this true? Do you think there is protein loss because of the weeping eczema or is it just water?
I think the weeping could contain other substances.
thanks so much for your article. i am going thru weeping eczema right now during my pregnancy. you did any studies on diet? any food to cut of that would help this this straph a?
Oh dear, hope you feel better soon! Yes, the flawless program website is all about my research on food and skin. Feel free to go through my articles if you want to look more into diet and eczema.
Thank you Christina! Would you mind to let me know that when you used cotton with a solution of Epsom salts + water, how long did you leave them to soak on your weeping areas? After soaking and before pat drying the area, did you rinse the area with water?
I would say I left it about 5 minutes, I didn’t rinse it with water afterwards. Of course feel free to adapt to what works for your skin! The routine I put up there is pretty much all I did.
Has anyone gone on the antibiotics while on the Program? I am concerned that taking antibiotics for a possible staph a infection will undo any healthy progress I’ve made to reduce inflammation with leaky gut. But, one thing to clear at a time.
Hi Christine, I did have one or two people who had to take antibiotics during the program, and I don’t think it affected their progress. Personally I think if you have a risk of something serious you should deal with it right away, even if it means taking antibiotics for a short period of time. Let me know how things go!
I had it pretty bad recently, and before I was able to understand what was going on, my weeping eczema was out of control.
I ended up going to a doctor, who cleaned everything up, prescribed some antibiotics for the bacteria, and prescribed something to reduce the inflammation for just a couple days.
After only a few days of treating the weeping areas with bacitracin (an antibiotic ointment) and keeping covered with bandages, all the weeping and the crusts cleared up. The antibiotics lasted a whole week–I’m not sure whether the skin would have cleared up just as well without the antibiotics but I would recommend using an antibiotic ointment and treating affected areas as if it were any other wound. Clean, cover, and let heal.
Now that the weeping is gone I can focus on eating better, hydrating and reducing inflammation from within.
How long you have been using the antibiotic ointment? My daughter has heen using it about a month but the ezcema still not completely healed. Still some oozings even after the oral antibiotics and oral steroid for 5 days. (Prescribed by the dr) please help
Ughhh I’ve had a weeper on my leg for about 2mos. now and am very thankful for your article as this is the first time my eczema has now turned to the spotty weeping kind you experienced. I will be trying these steps to rid me of it….thanks again!
Hi, I have weeping eczema on my nipple. It is pretty bad and has been going on for around 5months, it is very sore and uncomfortable. Over the course of these 5months it has been drying up and coming back, so I was very intruiged when you mentioned this in your article – I now presume I have a staph 1 infection.
My doctor thought the fluid was coming from inside my nipple and sent me for a scan. It turned out that wasn’t the case and it was definitely weeping eczema, he prescribed me Fucidin cream. I have eczema on other parts of my body but I have not had any weeping since I was very young.
Before using the Fucidin cream I want to try out a natural solution. With it being in such a sensitive area, would you still recommend the method you described in this article?
Hi! If it were me, I’d be really careful because of the area. Maybe using the Fucidin cream until it’s completely gone, and then switch to natural remedies afterwards? Hope this helps!
hai. may i know what is your nipple eczema proggress now? im also facing the same things since 3 months past. its comes and go and i really depending with cream and steroid.
I have weeping eczema. I believe from steriod creams. Its especially bad (weeping) on my face which is terrible! Around my eyes, above my lip, and chin. Other places on my body but my face is the real concern. Pleas help! What would you suggest?
Have you talked to your doctor about it?
My little baby used to have weeping eczema on her face from 4-6 months, I hesitated to put her on steroid cream which my doctor suggested. Then I found a mother’s blog said cilantro bath helped her daughter’s eczema. So I followed her instruction, and gave my daughter cilantro bath every other day, her eczema healed in a month. I hope this would help other people with eczema too!
Have used about everything there is over two years is to relieve very itchy eczema on my outer ears. Steroids can work but are not advised for long term use and give me side effects anyway. Foderma serum worked on the first day! This is great, sometimes you just have to keep looking
Can I please have the link to the blog. My son is 4 months and both of his cheeks is covered with weeping eczema. Now his arms are starting to get it too. His doc prescribed a steroid cream but that didn’t work.
Can you please share the link or write out the exact instructions? I developed eczema, as usual (first time in years that I’ve had it and I contribute this outbreak to EXTREME stress), and within a few days it is WEEPING, and has spread up and over to the other cheek and on my next and chest. It’s so miserable and I’m afraid to wash all the amber colored stuff off because it made it worse when I did it and because my skin is SO red, sensitive and inflamed. It’s on my face and I’m also really swollen. It’s misery. I think I’m going to go to the doctor tomorrow but I’ve been hesitant because of the virus. Take care all, and be safe. ❤️
Thank you for freely sharing your experiences and research with everyone.
I have on my fingers a few little red areas with white spots (think it is pus) in the middle. Is this part of the healing stage? I have cleaned up my diet for the past two weeks (approx) hoping to heal the excema on my hands. They are feeling better.
I have weeping eczema For About 2 to three yes.been to skin doctors got photo light therapy to stop itiching.&breakouts weeping fluid blisters. My doctors seem to think it is because food allergies& stomach.problems leaky.gut.I tried many things nothing really works.I seem to have multiply blisters on my fingers very itching filled with fluid.Epsom salt drys out skin too much.I was taking probiotics for my stomach but they gave me too much gas. It Seems my skin breaks out between.march.to.July in warm weather. I will go back to my skin.doctor for photo therapy for my hands.that seems the only way.to stop this problem for.a while.the doctors say I have a lot of influmation my.immune system so I also have arthritis but I cannot eat white potatoes, or Cheese because it causes me to break out.I think I will try gluten free diet & digestive enzymes hope that will help.also my second skin doctor gave me steroid shoots twice a year that seemed to help for a while.But because of my stomach.I do not want to take shoots.doctor gave me low dosages .What do you think?do you think it is because of my immune system?I have weepy eczema?
Hi christina
Thank you so much for your advise. i have weeping eczema on my neck and it was spreading to my face and sholders but when i switched from a oil based emollient (diprobase cream) i also tryed (diprobase ointment) to a water based one (diprobase lotion) the weeping stopped . However i live in london we have very little sun . Would you recommed phototherapy in the form of uvb light
Thank you ! I found the article on eczema very helpful. I been 16 months now with wheeping eczema. It’s so frustrating and I been trying everything to get it gone!
This is greatly appreciated! My daughter and colleague friend at work suffer from ezcema and steroid withdrawal. I’m always looking for tips and advice to give them!
Thank you so very much for this article!!! You have literally saved my life. This is my first experience with weeping, although I’ve had eczema for over ten years. It seemed logical to just keep drying out the weeping areas, which was just making everything worse. Already in just one day of using a colloidal oatmeal lotion and constantly moisturizing, it is visibly better!!! My skin isn’t nearly as puffy, I can move my fingers without pain, and I am so HAPPY!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
You’re very welcome. Glad your skin is looking better already!
I’m in my early 30s and been suffering from eczema for 1.5yrs. It was on my cheeks then spread to my forehead, chin, jaws, neck, arms, lower legs, shoulder, back.. After 3 specialists, 2 dermatologists and 3 GP doctors later, I found my fix to those weeping pumps! After reading your article, mine was definitely staph a colonisation; yellow fluid tht didnt stop but worsen.. Thank you for clarification. I had tried coconut oil but 4days later made my skin felt like sandpaper! I found my fix with diluted apple cider vinegar(ACV) as a toner (1part to 4part water). It is also a superb itch relief. I’ve been using just ACV toner for 1mth nw and results far exceeds any steroid/acne lotions/antibiotic creams! My face is back to shape, m able to smile without pain n redness had subsided. Also, through my GP, I found Ceradan hydra moisturiser; it’s a hydrating moisturiser with ceramide. Great for hydrating skin. And you are spot on; it’s gotta b water based. I also take 1tbsp manuka honey, 1 lemon n 2 tsp ACV mix with 200ml warm water to drink on empty stomach first thing in the morning and notice improvements to my eczema spots. Diet made a difference too. Im on alkaline diet; lotsa salmon, broccoli, fruits. I cut off beefor now unless it’s well cooked. Hope my experiences help.
Hi Joy, thanks for sharing your experiences! I’m so glad you found relief and that the article could help.
Hi joy
I have been using a lot of oils on my face and now as you mentioned it feels like sandpaper … I’m surprised that you say that ACV helped you to hydrate your skin , do you use this as a toner and then you moisturizer?
Do you wash you face with anything or just warm water ?
How do you cover up or protect the areas under your clothes? I have eczema patches on my right shin and have to wear long pants for work, but because I don’t want to irritate with the cloth, I put bandaids over the patches but that doesn’t seems to allow it to heal. Every weekend, when I let it breathe and take care of it properly, it will heal slightly, and then when the work week starts, it just gets inflamed again. 🙁 Help!
I’ve had a problem with my eczema on my nipples for a few years now, not realising that continually using steroid creams was only making the problem worse. After I stopped using steroid creams completely a few weeks ago my eczema started weeping uncontrollably, and I thought this would be a problem I would have to deal with for quite a while. Fortunately I came across this article around a week ago, and after using the steps my nips are almost completely back to normal! Thankyou so much
If I had this skin issue, I wouldn’t feel good. I need to re-share this one now.
Thanks a lot for this article. My eczema has gone wild during my pregnancy and even more ce giving birth. I have both types of weaping eczema and, lf course, at the worts places for a mother with a baby: my fingers and my nipples. I had to take antibiotics for a major eczema infection two months ago (read big holes in my fingers) and now for a mastitis that was most likely caused by my eczema. I will definitely try your tips and read the rest of your site as this has become unbearable and breastfeeding so painful.
Your article gave me the clarification I needed to start healing my facial eczema. Thanks a million and some.
Thanks for the article.it feels good to take suggestions from someone who been through the pain
Recently i spotted some tiny yellow bumps all over my hands.Whenever i try to pop it, small amount of yellow liquid comes out.My hands are also swollen and red.I just stopped my steroid cream and I’ve been using it for only 4 weeks.Do you know what has happen to me?
Hi! I’m not a doctor but it sounds like it could be an infection? Maybe check with a derm to see? Hope it goes well!
See a doctor, but it sounds like Staphylococcus (staph skin infection, I get those when my eczema gets really really bad)
Hi Christina! I’m suffering with weeping eczema on my face right now and I’m absolutely torn. I don’t even want to go to school or work without or even with make up on because it is so red and bumpy and very noticeable! I’m going to try these steps and see if it improves. Though, reading about your experience is definitely giving me hope. But what’s in your saline solution? and how would i soak my eczema in epsom salt and water if it is on my face?
Saline solution is salt water. So Epsom salt mixed with warm water and then put in a spray bottle and just spray on your face. Or you could use a washcloth soaked in the WARM solution and lay it over your face
Thanks so much for this article, I was really suffering and after ONE DAY of following your recommendations here my weeping eczema started healing so much it is amazing! I’m definitely following your program, just watched the first video, waiting for the link to the next one!
I have pretty bad nummular eczema in most parts of my body, and applying this cream twice a day has helped relieve the itchiness by so much. A very good moisturizer, and it did what I needed.
What cream is it please?
I’m so glad I saw this post yesterday. I’ve had eczema for around 3 years now, mainly on the backs of my hands, my fingers and on my arms. It tends towards wet eczema and makes me miserable because I don’t want to touch anything (a real problem when trying to cook or clean). I confess I have been guilty of trying to dry it out…
The last couple of weeks has been particularly bad (my eczema seems to be mainly stress activated).
After a day of ‘watering’ my hands and moisturising straight afterwards with a water-based natural cream, I can already see the difference.
Thank you SO MUCH for this post!!! You are a life saver 🙂
Fantastic! So happy to hear the article helped you.
My last breakout I had really bad weeping on my breast and saw many doctors. It didn’t respond to antibiotic cream. It seems like every time I ate something my body didn’t like, it immediately felt very itchy and started oozing again even though it was well into remission. This last flare it is oozing on my hand and only my hand. I’ll definitely give your tips a try, and maybe some iodine to test the bacteria theory.
Christina!!! Thank you so much. I never had eczema before and I was not sure what this weeping skin was until i read your article. At first I did the opposite…I used powder to dry the weeping…OMG!! Not good!!! So I immediately cleaned and hydrated and it immediately reacted to the TLC suggestion…;-) I noticed the calming of the redness and it wept very little after moisturizer application. I loved your explanation for the primary and secondary. Im forwarding this to my sister who gets eczema bad. Thank you for your post. It really helped!!
I HIGHLY recommend is using hydrocolloid bandages over weeping areas, most commonly known as a “Compeed” bandage that one would use over a blister. Hydrocolloid wicks away the exudate (liquid/pus/fluid) and keeps the area moist and protected from bacteria. I wake up and lesion is no longer oozing, it is moist, and most importantly it is flat….so I can cover with makeup or concealer when going out. Some companies have commercialized hydrocolloid for acne however I buy cheaper through a surgical supplier and then cut into the size I want and it is about 90% cheaper. I learned of this life changing tip on an acne blog. I hope it is a life-hack that changes your life as well 🙂 P.s. Can also be used on cold sores
Great tip, thanks!
Hi,
I just came across your article and I am definitely going to give this a shot as soon as possible.
I’ve suffered with eczema my entire life, and when I finally got to high school I had it under control and only twice during that time did I have to stop school because it was too bad and I was deeply embarrassed and bullied because of it (kids can be cruel).
From school until the beginning of this year I haven’t had a major problem with it, a few red rashes here and there but it never flaked or weeped, I kept using Vitamin E cream to keep those areas where I was most prone to rashes moisturized. But the past month it’s gotten worse, it started as winter fingers (I’m in Cape Town SA), which I get every year and it’s never been and issue just sore. And I did what I always do, used vaseline/vitamin E cream and it was getting better. But it kept flaring up on and off this entire month… For me this is normal, I’ve been through it many times, so stuck to my usual routines, but over the weekend however I woke up and I saw that it had cracked and I had obviously scratched during the course of the night. I have been battling this entire week to get it under control, I’ve used all kinds of ointments (namely bactroban which I have always used when I see that there is Staph Infection brewing, those damn tiny yellow dots), I even stuck my hand in the sea twice a day to clean the area, it seems to have helped but my fingers are still swollen and red and the past two days it’s been weeping… I thought to stop creaming to dry it out, but now I see that that was a bad idea (and the yellow itchy as hell sores are a testament to that) I was told as a kid that I have dormant Staphylococcus in my system… So due to that, I’ve had to take extra precautions to get my eczema under control. (I have plenty of horror stories as to how bad it used to get).
I have noticed that the warmer my environment (weather wise) the less I am to itch and the better my skin gets, but the past few years, it has been a struggle because we haven’t been having proper weather patterns in Cape Town, it’s supposed to be spring here now but the weather is hot and cold on and off, one day it’s winter the next it’s summer, I have a feeling that this strange weather can also be a cause, well that and the amount of stress I’ve been under lately with work…
Long story short, I am glad I came across your article, and I am really really hoping that your remedy will work… Because as I type this, all I want to do is scratch the day lights out of my hands or chop them off, both sounds like a grand idea at the moment hahaha
P.S having partners who don’t really understand what it is you’re going through but are willing to stick by you even when this is the first time they’ve ever seen something like this and when you fight them off because you’re embarrassed and grossed out by your own hands and don’t want them to hold your hands, that support has helped me not pull out my hair in frustration the past few weeks…
Scientists need to find a cure for this now… Not just what causes it…
Isn’t 15-20 min Epson salt bath recommended? Keep reading everywhere that it’s amazing.
Thank you so much for this article. I had eczema as a kid but it came back horribly in the past few months. I have weeping eczema on my neck and arms. I’m on antibiotics to help treat the staph infection and I’ve taken your advice on tying to keep the area clean f crusts.
Eczema looks horrible and ontop of making you feel horrible too… but reading this and all your guys comments makes me realize im not alone.
P.S
For those who had weeping eczema and had to go on abx how long did it typically take to heal for you?
Thanks for this informative notes on weeping eczema.
Hi Christina,
Thank you for your diligence in researching eczema. I have had eczema all my life but apparently the weeping eczema is considerably different than what I had been experiencing. The dry eczema had been on my legs for decades then recently have seen a rash over most of my entire body. I was able to get it under control with predniSONE; and everything cleared up for 6 months. Now weeping eczema is back with a vengeance.
I have come to realize that diet is key; and will be eliminating the eczema triggers and eating better. I do have some questions though.
In the article above, you mentioned two types of weeping eczema, primary and secondary. Then you went on to talk about secondary eczema. What I have appears to be primary since what is weeping is a clear fluid.
What is the process of curing primary weeping eczema? Is it any different than curing secondary weeping eczema? And if so, what might that be?
Hello Christina.
I’m crying right now reading your article because just yesterday my partner was admitted to hospital because of being in crippling pain from this horrid condition. What makes it worse everything you have said not to do in your article we were doing and I know is the reason he’s in hospital right now but in the morning and dermatologist will see him and I’m sure will know he has this which I really really think he does. We was given Zero cream which just burned him so bad we had to wash it off within 30 minutes. He’s one of the best Builders in the UK and to see him in a ball suffering like that was heart breaking. Your article has shed some much light on everything and now I have some correct information I can help him properly at home. I have to say
He’s been on 3 sets of different antibiotics and each time he’s gotten worse and your articlear makes more sense why. I’m visiting him today and will asked them to test for ShaphA infection see if we can get to the bottom on this.
Hope things are better! Let us know how it goes.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart! I started healing eczema through accupunture and diet. I don’t use steroids anymore so my detox symptoms have been painful. I woke up with weeping eczema and i was so scared! I read this article and did everything you said…to clean with salt and keep applying lotion (water based) and i woke up today and it’s not weeping anymore! THANK YOU!
That’s so good to hear!
I just want to add a note to my previous comment — my doctor prescribed antibiotics when my weeping eczema was in bad condition and I had a high level of staph / crusts. When it came back at a later time, I was prescribed a small amount of an antibiotic ointment (NOT neosporin, but something that is specifically to treat staph colonization) and it helped very quickly.
Eating well to reduce inflammation, feed my skin, and stay hydrated has helped prevent eczema flares since then 🙂
What is the ointment that you use for staph colonization? Thanks in advance.
Hi there Christina,
Great post and excellent advice, thankyou.
My husband is suffering at the moment. Thinking of trying, shea butter with coconut oil……..would it be useful to add couple of drops of essential oil??
Thank you so much for sharing this! I am 19 years old and have always had patches of eczema growing up, but nothing too intense. However, about three months ago, the skin on one of my nipples became very dry and unbearably itchy. I would unknowingly scratch in my sleep which lead to intense weeping of my nipple. At this point I had tried everything from over-the-counter lotions/creams to oils and Vaseline. I also tried to stop moisturizing for a while. I finally decided to go to the doctor because I began to worry about the possibility of Paget’s Disease. The doctor sent me for a breast ultrasound(a very expensive one at that!) which ruled out anything cancerous and sent me home with a prescription for Triamcinolone Acetonide(steroid cream). That same day it began to work wonders, but this was short-lived. Two weeks later when I stopped using the cream my problem was back – worse than before. My skin was weeping like crazy, it was UNBEARABLY itchy, and would swell up like a blueberry without the cream(gross, I know lol) so I was forced to keep using it. I’ve learned that the nipple is such a hard place to heal since it’s constantly touching clothing(bra or no bra) and when it was weeping it would just get stuck to my clothing and hurt like hell when I had to peel it off. A couple days ago I came across this article and I was wary of the treatment method suggested because the nipple is such a sensitive area of the body and my nipple was basically an open wound at this point, but I was desperate for a real cure. I gave it a try and two days later here I am and my skin is already starting to heal without the steroid cream! I know this is just the start, but it feels so good knowing something other than the steroid cream is starting to work. The last few months have been very painful and I’ve been so self conscious, but seeing good results already is making me feel so much better! Thank you!
I have had eczema on my nipples which is very embarrassing. I’ve had it for so long that it’s become normal to me. There’s no pain or anything I’m not even sure if it’s eczema but it started from itching. The itches are so severe now the skin around my nipples are wet and weeping and it’s bever gotten better in the past 3 years. Each time it dries up I always itch again. What can I do? Please help I’m 16 years old.
I developed oozing eczema on my nipples and also numular eczema patches on my ankles and back, knees ,elbows that would ooze easily.. it was very bad and v itchy. I tried to incorporate the ideas to heal mentioned in the article.. it helped.. I tried these .
– applying aloe gel (cut the leaf and apply directly the gel ) once in the morning ,and expose to some sunlight if possible
– before showering ,cleanse any weeping / infected area gently with cotton dipped in turmeric and salt water
-post shower, soothe the eczema patches with virgin coconut oil. ( It also helps to apply a little to the whole body to prevent new breakouts). Follow up with a good quality moisturiser.
Repeat the cleansing with turmeric ,moisturising with coconut oil and moisturusing lotion at night..
After a few days of this and with a good diet( include omega 3, fruits). The patches have almost fully healed, little to no itching..
wanted to share this. Do give it a try .
And thanks a ton for all the tips. It really made a huge difference. Earlier I had thought the only options were the steroids and immunosuppressant creams that did not provide lasting relief
So glad it worked out for you!
Hi Christina,
You saved so much of anxiety for me – I’ve been struggling to figure this eczema for my little one and I wish I had read this 4 years ago – fast forward to now, he got this 4 weeks back after a fever and it was like he had developed new allergies all over – I kept changing his routine but nothing was helping – read this article and it opened my eyes and now I know exactly what I am dealing with.
Thank you thank you thank you so much!!
Hi!
Thanks for this really helpful article about eczema. I have been having a terrible flair up on my arms and hands due to the weather getting warm recently. It was so bad that I would wake up scratching and it lead to weeping skin. I started putting my ointment on it, however, and the weeping stopped and it looks like it is starting to heal. Do you think it’s still worth going to get checked out by a doctor? I don’t really have any of those severe sounding symptoms.
Hi everyone my first time here, I’ve suffered from major skin issues since I was in my teens. Even worse, the way my skin reacts is often different to the last time. I DONT have dry skin, if anything more on the oily side. But I have been hospitalised on 2 occasions, housebound for 3 months, mentally and emotionally been hanging by a thread at times trying to just live when your entire being revolves around itching, pain, infection, research, worry , stress, more research, panic, depression, isolation, fear and loss of hope in medical professionals and the belief that anyone can help u. Trust me I’ve been there, too many times to count, and often it’s like starting all over again because the presentation on my skin will be different an non responsive to other things that worked before. After reading through all comments above I just want to put out there that if you have not had skin patch testing done, please ask for it, demand it! I’m 39 now and I only had it done about 8 years ago! I didn’t even know it existed and it could have helped and maybe stopped so many of my skin problems from developing into chronic situations. For example I have an allergy to a substance called colophony – this stuff is a by product from resin and sap from pine trees and other plants- it’s in EVERYTHING. Everything I mean , when you are itchy they tell you to use that awful pinetarsol soap and wash to relieve it. That’s what this stuff is. Most ointments, cosmetics, Band aids sticking plasters, varnishes, furniture and boot polish, hair wax’s and serums, dental products, depilatory wax And creams, sawdust, you name it it’s in nearly everything in varying quantities , AND More importantly it’s in so many of the treatments you are told to use on your skin. For years I would have a flare use pinetarsol, steroid ointments, cover with bandaids and never could understand how it would spread so much it would last for years! I don’t know why this testing is not a first line o diagnosis for ppl with chronic atopic conditions o any kind, just like the diet and the gut, it seems on the last of the to do lists of so called specialists. When you have a sensitivity to something and are constantly exposed to it when already highly sensitised it becomes an allergy for life. It’s like scalding your skin to a 3rd degree burn and using boiling water, steam and sunburn to treat it. It makes a great deal of difference in avoiding the misery of chronic conditions when you actually can have many months of respite. Until then you chase your tail dealing with the overwhelming symptoms. Some tips for weeping skin that I have used time and time again, on my body on my nipples and on my face, to expand on what has already been advised here, wet dressings/ wet wraps overnight even but for as long as you can at any time I promise it will bring healing and relief much quicker. There is a product called Tubifast , look it up and order if you can if not substitute with old soft cotton tshirt socks gloves sheets torn up and compression bandages over the top . Soak until ur skin is soft in a warm Epsom bath, when you get out, apply your creams to inflamed areas fill a bucket sink with warm water and put your bandages in the water, using a all over cream on your skin in thick layer wring out the bandages and wrap or place them snuggly over area securely, then cover over with a dry layer of bandages or clothing, the longer this stays on the better, repeat before the wet layer dries completely this imitates the normal skin protection that we are lacking, it’s used in hospitals and on burn victims, it allows skin to breathe but reduces any irritants and lets you get sleep.!for face use cotton washers and leave them over your face like when u get a facial, while ever your skin is moist it’s not irritated, ppl with around mouth eczema, it could be your toothpaste, drool, cover the area with Vaseline as a preventative, hands and feet use cotton gloves and socks, the best thing about the tubifast is it fits any part of the body to reduce irritation also. For nipples, go and get some of the colliidal hydra discs for breast feeding mums and alternate those in your bra so not as to stick. I hope this helps some ppl
Morning Christina my friend has atopic eczema when it weeps a lot it’s sooo painful for him is it ok to use Oatmeal Dermaveen Moisturizing creme on his skin.
Can Dermaveen oatmeal moisturizer be used.
I’ve had eczema for 4 years — since being on antibiotics for 8 months.
This past week I tried hemp seed oil salve. It seems to be producing incredible results! I don’t know the outcome yet.
I was previously using Dead Sea salt as I thought epsom salt was more for muscles, and Dead Sea salt for skin.
And the exposure to natural light is incredible.
I’m planning to do all of them together. Thank you for the information! So appreciated.
Hi Christina! Wow! Am I glad I found you when I did a search for weeping eczema! I had two samples of a water based moisturizer which gave cooling relief to my weeping eczema: Tarte’s “drink of H2O” and Belif’s “Hungarian Water Essence”. I went out and bought the full size of each at Sephora. Ulta may carry them also.
I am so thankful to have found you and your website!
This article saved my hide. Thank you so much!!!
I am so blessed by your article. My daughter has had weeping eczema since she was young and has been suffering from it on and of for five years. I was really hard for us when in started growing and multiplying on her head that it even got us to the point of talking of having to have her hair shaved off. I remember putting aloe moisturiser did help so I will try it again. And all the information you shared were so helpful and it gave me hope about my daughter’s condition. Thank you and may God bless you more.
My 4month old baby has eczema. Rightnow, he has spots on his face, elbow and leg thaf are weeping with fluid that turned into a scab and will dry up if he wont scratch it. Is that what you call primary infection since its not pus, no yellow and crusty stuff? If so, how do you treat it? Thank you for sharing your experienced and knowledge in treating weeping eczema.
Hello, Christina,
I noticed your videos are not in closed captioned for the Deaf/HH people. Is there anyway, you can add cc to your website so we can read and follow up. If not, then I cannot use this.
Thank you!
Cindy
Hi Christina ! Thanks for the article, saved me from anxiety. I started to notice I had weeping eczema a couple of weeks ago.
It started as these small white fluid blister-like on my inner thighs,where my ‘normal’ eczema was located and for a couple of weeks I didn’t treat that eczema, so probably that’s a reason why I developed weeping eczema. I didn’t think much of it until it got worst.
They are now these scabs , and very itchy. They do ooze yellowish fluid when I itch around the scab and hurt to stand or walk even! This article was very accurate to what I’m experiencing right now! I applied my regular eczema creams on it but it doesn’t seem to work. It seems I don’t have any feeling towards the scab itself.
Everything you stated in this article I’ve NOT been doing! But I took notes and I will be doing As you say because I never experienced this! And yes , eczema runs in my family .
But hopefully soon I will go visit the doctors , but at the moment cant, due to COVID.
Do you have any suggestions I can use to cure this??!
If this helps, i am 15 and had eczema as long as i can remember .
Please get back to me!!!
I made a sprayer with 3T of Dead Sea Salt (from health store) and water, and use it as cleanser then apply the moisturizer for eczema by Aveeno (Eczema Care). I also drink a lot of water mixed with 4T of Bragg Apple Cider vinegar (per liter) as a natural antibiotic.
Hi Christina. How often did you do the saline solution and epson salt through out the day? My baby is 4 months old with really bad weeping eczema on both cheeks.
Hi Mae, I did it twice a day: in the morning when I would wake up and at night before sleeping. Let me know if the suggestions help for your little one!
Hi Christina sorry I’m was reading all the posts here about weeping eczema and then I watched one of your YouTube videos on skin care routines. For this post you mentioned using water based lotion because that’s what your body needs. And to steer clear of oil based ones. Then in your video it says to use oil based lotions or creams. So kinda of confusing but wondering if using water based is only for “weeping” eczema? Please advise! Thanks!!
Hi Amy, great question! Oil based is great for regular eczema (the dry scaly kind), water-based is best for weeping eczema (or any kind that is wet). Hope this clears things up!
This whole week I have been struggling to dry my weeping sores which I’ve had for a while..from using herbal oils to antibiotic creams & nothing worked. Last night I came across this & decided to give it a try. This morning my sores have stopped weeping & look a lot better. Thank you sooo much Christina for sharing your knowledge & helping all of us.
Hi Vivienne, thank you for leaving your comment and experience. I’m so glad this could work for you too!
Okay, this worked miracles for my weeping eczema.
I brew kambucha tea and have the tea and the SCOBY. I read that the SCOBY and tea are good to heal burns, itches etc., I got a weeping eczema rash and tried hydrogen peroxide and cortizone creams, but nothing worked. I then tried cleaning the rash with kambucha tea and applied a patch of SCOBY to the area. The next morning the rash was dry and not itchy and healed in a couple of days.
This is a natural remedy and worth a try. If you don’t have a SCOBY you can buy kamubcha tea from the store and bathe the rash with it.
Good luck.