With so many different types of eczema out there, it’s important to understand what you’re dealing with so that you can best manage symptoms and control flare ups. Intense scratching can cause the skin to crack or bleed, which can pave the way for infection– such as eczema coxsackium.
In this blog post, we’re going to discuss eczema coxsackium, an enteroviral infection typically affecting children who have atopic dermatitis.
Read on to learn more about eczema coxsackium, including preventative measures you can use to reduce scratching and prevent infection.
Please keep in mind that although what we discuss in this post can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.
What is Eczema Coxsackium?
As mentioned, eczema coxsackium is an enteroviral infection. It is highly contagious and develops when pre-existing cases of dermatitis become infected with a virus known as coxsackievirus. It has also been described as atypical hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), although it is more widespread.
This condition is characterized by clusters of small, fluid-filled blisters or vesicles which develop in areas affected by atopic dermatitis. It typically affects school-aged children, boys and girls alike, who have atopic dermatitis. It usually appears during late spring to early summer.
Causes of Eczema Coxsackium
It is unclear why eczema coxsackium develops in places where atopic dermatitis is active or inactive. One theory is that it is similar to eczema herpaticum, which is where patients experience impaired immunity to the virus and barrier dysfunction in the affected areas.
Children under 10 who already have eczema may be more at risk for developing the infection because their bodies have not yet built up immunity to the disease. Scratching the skin relentlessly may damage the outer layer of skin, leaving it more vulnerable to infection.
Older children and adults may also develop eczema coxsackium, particularly if they have weakened immune systems or have broken skin.
Because it is contagious, it can pass from person to person by:
- Stool
- Blister fluid
- Saliva
- Nasal Discharge
What does Eczema Coxsackium Look Like?
Signs and symptoms of eczema coxsackium are similar to those of hand, foot, and mouth disease. However, they usually are more severe. You can expect painful vesicles on the thighs, buttocks, hands, feet, and abdomen, a sore throat, fever, severe rash, and weeping erosions from the face to feet.
The Best Eczema Coxsackium Treatment
In severe cases, you may be required to go to the hospital and speak to a medical professional. That being said, there are some ways you can manage painful symptoms and soothe irritation using natural creams and gentle clothing.
Soothe the Rash
This Hot Skin Soother helps soothe red, angry-looking rashes. It also helps calm oozing and inflamed skin. Made with certified safe herbs, it helps relieve irritation in skin folds, armpits, groin area, and elbow and knee creases.
Find Itch Relief
Adults and little ones alike can find soothing itch relief with help from this Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream. It’s perfect for treating sensitive skin because there’s no burning or stinging. Your infected skin will also benefit from its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Boost the healing with wet wrap therapy:
Wet wrap therapy is a great way to boost the healing process and give the skin a quick boost of moisture. It’s also simple to do.
Start by applying a natural cream to the affected area, cover with a damp layer of clothing, and add a dry layer over top. The damp layer helps to lock in moisture and allows the emollients to better permeate the skin. We recommend using these Remedywear™ Sleeves as they’re perfect for spot treating difficult areas like elbow and knee creases.
References:
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/eczema-coxsackium
https://www.consultant360.com/article/consultant360/eczema-coxsackium
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Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for The Eczema Company. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes.
