Microbial eczema: treatment with ointments, folk remedies, antibiotics

Eczema is one of the most common skin diseases that has no particular gender or age preferences. This means that each of us can face this pathology at least once in our lives. Most often, the disease, accompanied by reddening of the skin, peeling, rashes and itching on it, caused by inflammatory processes in the epidermis, is of an allergic nature. However, there is a type of disease that occurs against the background of existing skin pathologies and is bacterial in nature. Moreover, microbial eczema develops due to disturbances in the immune system, which cause relapses of other types of inflammatory skin diseases.

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Epidemiology

According to statistics, eczema occupies a leading position in the feed of various skin diseases. It accounts for about 40% of cases of appeals regarding skin diseases. Doctors diagnose microbial eczema in 12-25% of cases of appeals regarding eczematous skin lesions.

Unlike true or professional eczema, microbial eczema develops against the background of existing diseases, and not as a result of normal contact with an allergen that has caused an inadequate immune response with activation of lymphocytes. For its development, the presence of lesions on the skin in the form of scratches, abrasions, cuts, trophic ulcers, mycoses (fungal lesions), purulent wounds, eczematous lesions of an allergic nature is required.

The foci of chronic infection can be located both outside (exogenous eczema) and inside the body (endogenous pathology). In the second case, we are talking about odontogenic infections localized in the head and neck area, inflammatory pathologies of the ENT organs, digestive and genitourinary systems.

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Causes microbial eczema

As we have already understood, the occurrence of microbial eczema against the background of recurrent skin diseases is facilitated by failures in the functioning of the immune system. In other words, the further development of the bacterial-inflammatory process is facilitated by reduced immunity.

But on the other hand, a decrease in immunity does not happen out of nowhere. Failures in the immune system (autoimmune reactions) and weakening of the body's defenses are primarily caused by bacterial and viral agents. Frequently recurring viral diseases, chronic bacterial and fungal pathologies negatively affect the state of the immune system, which simply does not have time to rest and gain strength. Exhaustion of the immune system leads to failures in its work.

Disorders of the central nervous system and pathologies of the brain, as the main regulatory organ of the human body, can also cause failures in the immune system, leading to the development of eczematous reactions of the skin. Diseases of internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract, can also contribute to the development of microbial eczema.

Eczema is one of the manifestations of allergy, developing as a result of inadequate functioning of the immune system, when the latter reacts too actively to some irritants. This means that allergic reactions may well cause the development of various types of pathology, both primary and secondary, such as microbial eczema.

Disruptions in the endocrine system lead to metabolic disorders and fluctuations in hormonal levels, which also confuses the immune system, which immediately reacts to any changes in the body.

In some cases, the influence of a hereditary factor can also be noted. Inadequate functioning of the immune system can be caused by gene mutations that are passed down from generation to generation, or by pathologies of fetal development in the intrauterine period. By the way, the human immune system develops up to 15 years, which means that exposure to negative factors in childhood can lead to disruption of the immune system in adulthood.

Microbial eczema can develop against the background of existing bacterial and fungal skin lesions, long-term non-healing wounds, varicose veins of the superficial veins with impaired blood flow (stagnation in the skin vessels sometimes leads to the development of varicose eczema).

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Risk factors

Risk factors for the development of bacterial inflammatory skin pathology may include:

• poor skin hygiene,
• emotional lability and frequent stress,
• chronic diseases,
• frequent cases of infectious diseases,
• increased radiation or environmental pollution,
• damage to the integrity of the skin during cosmetic procedures and inadequate skin care (for example, microbial eczema can develop against the background of a post-traumatic form of eczematous skin lesion, which is caused by damage to the skin during a tattoo).

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Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of eczema, including microbial eczema, is based on an inadequate reaction to antigens entering the body from outside or forming inside it. Antigens that cause various allergic reactions in the form of rash, itching, swelling and redness of tissues that we see with eczema are usually called allergens. However, not all antigens (and not always) can cause an allergic inflammatory reaction.

In the case of microbial eczema, an allergic reaction develops in relation to microbes and bacteria that parasitize on the skin or inside the body for some time. If the immune system functions normally, it is able to cope with the infection without developing inflammatory reactions. Against the background of a weak immune system, an allergic reaction occurs to the protein component of a bacterial molecule (antigen), which has had a long-term negative effect on the body, as a result of which sensitization (sensitivity) to this microorganism has developed.

Most often, the development of microbial eczema is observed against the background of streptococcal or staphylococcal infection, as well as skin lesions caused by fungi. However, the influence of other pathogens of various inflammatory pathologies cannot be ruled out.

The mechanism of development of the inflammatory reaction is based on increased secretion of prostaglandins, produced from fatty acids and acting as mediators of inflammation, increasing the production of histamine and serotonin and suppressing the reactions of cellular immunity. As a result, an inflammatory process develops in the tissues of the body, in which the permeability of the vessel walls increases, and intercellular edema is formed (in this case, the dermis and epidermis).

It aggravates and reinforces the abnormal reaction of the immune system of the central nervous system, in the functioning of which certain failures have also been observed in patients with microbial eczema, affecting the processes of cellular nutrition (tissue trophism).

It is quite difficult to name a specific reason for the development of endogenous eczema, as well as to explain why an allergic reaction to internal pathogens has external manifestations. However, scientists can answer with great confidence the question that worries many: is microbial eczema contagious? No, it is not contagious, since it is of an allergic nature, and therefore cannot be transmitted by contact. Only bacteria can be transmitted to others, but not the body's reaction to them. Then everything depends on the state of the immune system of the person coming into contact with the patient.

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Symptoms microbial eczema

Microbial eczema is one of the varieties of eczematous skin lesions, which means that it is characterized by symptoms observed during the development of this pathology: rash, itching, peeling, swelling of the skin. But these symptoms are characteristic of many skin diseases, including those of an allergic nature. How to recognize microbial eczema by its external manifestations.

The first signs of microbial eczema are erythema (intense reddening of the skin due to excessive blood flow to the capillaries) with clearly defined boundaries, swelling of the tissues of the affected area and the appearance of papular rashes on them. After some time, the skin at the site of redness begins to crack, and blisters with serous contents appear at the site of papules. After a few days, yellowish-green crusts form at the site of the lesion.

All this resembles the development of dermatitis, which is essentially microbial eczema.

A characteristic feature of most types of microbial eczema is the asymmetry of the lesions. And they themselves most often have an irregular shape. Around the inflammation site, you can see a kind of border formed by exfoliated areas of the upper layer of the skin. Along the edge of the affected area are pustules with purulent contents, which after opening form yellowish dense crusts.

After removing the crusts, a certain amount of pus is found underneath. If you remove the pus, you can see a glossy surface of a bluish-red or burgundy color, on which there is noticeable weeping with foci of microscopic hemorrhages.

Another important feature of microbial eczema, which distinguishes it from the true form of the disease, is the polymorphism of the rash with a predominance of purulent elements.

Most often, microbial eczema affects the upper and lower extremities, which are most susceptible to injury; its lesions can also be seen on the face or in the nipple area in women.

Microbial eczema on the hands most often develops in the area of the hand and fingers. A distinction is made between eczema of the hands, fingers and interdigital space with localization of foci in the locations of skin folds on the corresponding area of the hand.

Less commonly, eczematous rashes can be seen in the area of the wrists, forearms and elbows.

Microbial eczema on the legs is similar in its manifestations to infectious dermatitis on the hands. The favorite places of the disease are the feet, shins and knees - places most susceptible to trauma with damage to the integrity of the skin.

Microbial eczema on the face is most often localized on the cheeks and in the chin area. The disease in the vast majority of cases is endogenous in nature, since its cause is considered to be an exacerbation of chronic infections inside the body.

Microbial eczema in children

In childhood, microbial eczema is a fairly common disease. High motor activity against the background of minimal risk analysis leads to frequent episodes of trauma with skin damage. In addition, delicate children's skin is very attractive to various types of blood-sucking insects, leaving itchy marks on the baby's body.

Due to the imperfection of the immune system, microbial eczema in children develops much more often than in adults. This is facilitated by insufficient hygiene of hands and damaged areas. Children tend to scratch bites and healing itchy scratches, while their hands and nails are not sterile clean, which means they are a source of bacterial infection.

The immune system reacts to an external infectious factor by developing an inflammatory reaction with the formation of hyperemia and tissue edema, as well as purulent rashes, which are subsequently covered with localized crusts with a clearly defined border.

At a young age, the disease is rarely endogenous. However, frequent infectious pathologies in childhood can cause weakened immunity and the development of endogenous or exogenous microbial eczema in adulthood.

Stages

Like any eczematous skin lesion, microbial eczema has several stages of development:

• Stage 1 (the onset of the disease or erythematous eczema) is characterized by redness of a limited area of the skin and the appearance of itching on it.
• Stage 2 (development of the disease or papulovesicular stage) is marked by the appearance of edema and rashes (papules) on hyperemic areas, which over time fill with fluid.
• Stage 3 (the height of the disease or weeping eczema): spontaneous opening of the blisters with the release of serous contents, while in the place of the papules there remain depressions in which pus accumulates.
• Stage 4 (decay of the disease or dry eczema) is observed after the inflamed area is covered with a yellow-green or grayish-yellow dry crust.

The development of the disease, especially of an endogenous nature, at any stage can be accompanied by the appearance of new lesions.

A distinction is also made between acute and chronic courses of the disease.

Acute microbial eczema is a disease that lasts no more than 3 months. The inflammation foci are distinguished by a bright, rich bluish-red hue, constant moisture release and severe itching.

If the pathology does not go away within six months, we speak of a subacute stage of the disease (from 4 to 6 months inclusive). In this case, the affected area has a less saturated color, a denser structure and constantly peels.

Chronic microbial eczema is characterized by a longer course. The disease is characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation. During remission, damaged skin is practically no different in color from healthy skin, but has a denser structure due to pathological changes in the epidermis. During exacerbations, symptoms of acute eczema can be observed.

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Forms

Microbial eczema usually manifests itself as separate rashes, but sometimes its foci occupy a fairly large area. This is typical for the endogenous form of the disease against the background of significantly reduced immunity and predisposition to allergic reactions.

Common microbial eczema is a chronic pathology characterized by a reduction in time intervals between periods of exacerbation and the occurrence of multiple foci of inflammation covering a large area of the skin. At the same time, treatment of this form of the disease is quite difficult.

Microbial eczema can be divided into bacterial and mycotic in relation to the causative agent of the pathology. The causative agent of mycotic eczema is considered to be a fungal infection, most often bacteria of the genus Candida. The localization site of mycotic eczema is usually the feet and toes in the area of the nail plate.

Depending on the nature of the bacterial inflammatory process on the skin, microbial eczema can be:

• Nummular (also known as plaque or coin-shaped form of pathology),
• post-traumatic,
• varicose,
• sycosiform,
• localized in the nipple area (nipple eczema),
• and as a separate subtype, dyshidrotic eczema (eczematous dermatitis).

Nummular microbial eczema is the formation of round-shaped lesions on the skin. The lesions are small in size (about 3 mm), are brightly colored, and have yellow purulent crusts. The favorite place of localization is the hands.

Post-traumatic eczema is the development of a purulent-inflammatory process around areas of skin damaged by trauma (cut, scratch, wound, bite, burn). The tissue restoration process in this form of pathology is very slow.

Varicose eczema occurs due to impaired blood flow in the skin capillaries. Congestion in the tissues causes the formation of deep small wounds (trophic ulcers), around which an eczematous lesion is formed if a bacterial infection gets into the wound against the background of weakened immunity. The localization of irregularly shaped lesions is the lower extremities.

Sycosiform eczema is a purulent-bacterial process that occurs against the background of inflammation of the hair follicles, which develops in the area of the hairy part of the body (mustache, beard, armpits, groin area), and then spreads to other areas. The affected areas are characterized by strong weeping and a rich color.

Nipple eczema affects mainly women during lactation. The cause of microbial eczema in this case is breast trauma during breastfeeding against the background of insufficient hygiene of this part of the body. It can also occur in patients with scabies. The lesions have a bright shade and a dense structure, and are prone to cracking.

Dyshidrotic eczema with a microbial component is the appearance of vesicular rashes on the lower part of the arms and legs (soles, palms, fingers), the main cause of which is considered to be failures in the work of sweat glands, metabolic disorders in the body, decreased immunity, predisposition to allergies. It is against this background that the impact of a bacterial infection leads to the development of eczematous skin lesions.

Intensely itchy inflammatory elements (both single and in groups) originate deep in the skin, gradually rising above its surface. Mechanical action on the inflammatory elements causes severe pain. The disease is characterized by a chronic course.

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Complications and consequences

Despite the fact that microbial eczema is not considered a severe and contagious disease, its consequences and complications are not as harmless as one might assume. At the same time, the disease causes complications both in the absence of treatment and with an incorrect approach to therapy, for example, with self-medication. Still, a bacterial infection with the development of a purulent-inflammatory process carries the danger of not only further spread of the infection to cover large areas (widespread microbial eczema), but also the possibility of developing a generalized infection affecting the deep layers of the skin.

The appearance of multiple lesions is fraught with an increased likelihood of contracting viral pathologies. For example, the herpes virus, which affects the skin in different parts of the body depending on the type of virus, can cause serious health pathologies: chickenpox, which has a severe course in adulthood, shingles, infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus infection, herpetiform eczema, known for its high mortality rate. Herpetic skin lesions can be localized in the face, neck, genitals and anus, which creates additional inconveniences due to the patient's appearance and pain during meals and bowel movements.

And how many unpleasant moments the disease itself brings. Unattractive spots on the skin with excruciating itching during periods of exacerbation cause a certain physical and emotional discomfort. The hostile attitude of other people, caused by the erroneous opinion about the contagiousness of the disease, often becomes the cause of nervous breakdowns and insomnia, provoking problems in professional and personal life.

Advanced forms of the disease and delayed treatment cause the formation of unsightly scars on the skin.

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Diagnostics microbial eczema

If various rashes and itching appear on the skin, it is recommended to first visit a dermatologist before taking any measures to solve the problem. First, you need to establish an accurate diagnosis and identify the cause of pathological changes in the skin, and only a specialist doctor can do this.

An external examination of the patient's skin condition, lesions and their localization, and a study of the patient's medical history and complaints allow the doctor to assume eczematous skin lesions based on symptoms such as swelling and hyperemia of the skin, itchy skin rash, the appearance of crusts at the site of purulent ulcers, etc. However, only special laboratory and instrumental studies can confirm the diagnosis of "microbial eczema".

The material for the study is obtained by scraping the skin from the affected area. During this process, the doctor examines the surface of the tissue under the crust for the presence of a wet area and hemorrhages.

After this, instrumental diagnostics of the obtained material is carried out using a sensitive microscope. Using microscopy of scrapings, fungal (mycotic) pathogens are identified. Bacterial infection is determined by immersing the material taken during scrapings in a nutrient medium. It is very important not only to identify the disease itself, but also to accurately determine its pathogen in order to prescribe effective antimicrobial or antifungal drugs.

If the deep layers of the skin are affected, the doctor prescribes a histological examination. A biopsy is taken from the deepest layers of the affected area. Its study helps to establish the severity of the inflammatory process, the presence of foreign components in the infiltrate, for example, plasma cells that produce antibodies.

If microbial eczema is not treated, there is a high probability of its transition to true eczema. If there is a suspicion of a change in the nature of the pathology, the doctor prescribes tests (usually a complete blood count) for eosinophils, immunoglobulin E, and the level of T-lymphocytes.

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics are carried out between microbial and other types of eczema, as well as other skin pathologies with similar symptoms (various types of dermatitis, psoriasis, as well as allergies, which resemble the onset of eczematous pathologies in their symptoms).

Treatment microbial eczema

Since neglected microbial eczema tends to easily turn into true eczema, and also has other unpleasant consequences, its treatment should be started immediately after the first signs of the disease appear. Since the allergic factor comes to the fore in the disease, which is no longer possible to get rid of, the treatment of microbial eczema consists of alleviating the patient's condition and stopping relapses of the inflammatory process on the skin.

In order for the treatment to be successful, it is necessary to treat not only the external foci of the disease, but also the pathologies that caused microbial eczema.

A comprehensive approach to the treatment of bacterial inflammatory diseases includes local treatment, systemic and physical therapy, and proper nutrition.

Drug therapy

Medicines for the treatment of microbial eczema can be divided into 2 groups:

• external means for relieving external manifestations of the disease,
• products for internal use as part of systemic therapy.

External agents for local treatment of skin diseases:

• antiseptic solutions for treating damaged surfaces and compresses (boric acid 2% solution, resorcinol 1% solution, brilliant green solution, lead water),
• ointments with a drying effect (zinc, ichthyol, naphthalan ointment),
• antibiotic ointments (Bactroban - antibiotic ointment, Drapolen and Dettol - antiseptic creams with antibacterial effect, erythromycin, tetracycline and other ointments),
• external agents for the treatment of fungal skin lesions (ointments "Exoderil", "Loceril", etc.) in case of the mycotic form of the disease,
• non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs (Radevit, Eplan, Fenistil, Gistan, etc.),
• anti-inflammatory ointments and sprays containing corticosteroids are used in cases of widespread eczema affecting a large area of the body (Advantan, Lokoid, Celestodarm, etc.),
• in case of extensive pathologies during remission – drugs that inhibit the synthesis of calcineurin (Pimecrolimus, Tacrolimus).

Medicines for systemic therapy:

• antiallergic (antihistamine) drugs (Diazolin, Zyrtec, Suprastin, Lomilan, Loratadine) to relieve painful allergy symptoms such as skin rash, itching, and inflammatory manifestations. Doctors may prescribe calcium chloride and sodium thiosulfate solutions intravenously.
• immunomodulatory drugs to reduce the activity of the immune system,
• antimicrobial oral agents (broad-spectrum antibiotics for microbial eczema fight against possible bacterial pathogens): Ampicillin, Ofloxacin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, and Cefazolin in the form of intramuscular injections
• antifungal drugs (Fluconazole, Fucis, etc.)
• sedatives that relieve psycho-emotional stress and allow you to rest peacefully at night (valerian and motherwort preparations, mild sleeping pills),
• vitamin complexes containing sufficient amounts of vitamins B, E and retinoids,
• corticosteroids (Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, Triamcinolone, etc.) for extensive severe skin lesions,
• Cytostatics (Cyclosporin, Methotrexate) are also prescribed only in cases of generalized infection.

Physiotherapeutic treatment includes many methods of physical influence that improve the condition of patients with microbial eczema. The most effective methods are considered to be: skin irradiation with ultraviolet rays (as an option PUVA therapy ), UHF irradiation, laser and magnetic therapy, medicinal electrophoresis, ozone therapy.

Surgical treatment is prescribed mainly for varicose eczema or to prevent it.

Ointments and oral agents to combat bacterial infection

Since the disease has multiple external manifestations, ointments for microbial eczema are the main treatments that help significantly alleviate the patient's condition, relieving inflammation and unpleasant allergy symptoms. And since the disease is still associated with a bacterial infection, you can't do without external agents with antimicrobial action.

Bactroban ointment is an effective antimicrobial agent for topical use based on the antibiotic mupirocin, which has no cross-resistance with other antibiotics, which makes it possible to use it as part of a complex therapy for microbial eczema. The drug is intended for the treatment of staphylococcal and streptococcal infections. It is used in the case of secondary bacterial pathologies.

Apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected areas 3 times a day. Use a cotton swab or bandage for application. The course of treatment is 10 days.

The only contraindication to the use of the ointment is hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Side effects are expressed mainly in hypersensitivity reactions with rashes, burning and itching on the skin. Less often, the use of the ointment can cause nausea, gastralgia, headaches, systemic allergic reactions.

"Tetracycline" is a 3% ointment with a bacteriostatic antibiotic used in infectious purulent pathologies, including microbial eczema. It eliminates the inflammatory process, significantly reduces the activity of pathogenic microflora, and stimulates skin regeneration.

The ointment can be applied to the affected areas several times a day (as prescribed by the doctor). The course of treatment is also determined by the attending physician.

The ointment is not prescribed in case of hypersensitivity to its components, severe liver dysfunction, low white blood cell count, or fungal infection. In pediatrics, it is used from the age of 8. During pregnancy, it is used only in the 1st and 2nd trimesters.

When applied externally, the antibiotic is well tolerated. Local reactions such as burning or itching, hyperemia of the skin may occasionally occur. Systemic reactions may only be observed with prolonged use of the drug.

"Erythromycin" in the form of an ointment is a bacteriostatic agent for local use, which has a wider spectrum of antibacterial activity.

The ointment can be used to treat skin starting from the neonatal period. It can be applied 2-3 times a day. The therapeutic course is usually 6-9 weeks.

It is prescribed to patients in the absence of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Side effects include local allergic reactions and manifestations of the irritating effect of the drug.

In the case of mycotic and mixed forms of microbial eczema, the ointment "Triderm" will be effective, which contains the corticosteroid betamethasone, the aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin and the antifungal agent clotrimazole.

Apply the preparation to the affected areas in a thin layer in the morning and evening, without covering with a bandage. The course of treatment is determined by the doctor.

The drug is not prescribed for hypersensitivity to its components, tuberculosis of the skin and syphilis, viral skin infections, varicose veins, acne, herpetic skin lesions. Not used in pediatrics.

Side effects rarely manifest themselves in the form of skin irritation at the site of application (itching, burning, dry skin). Systemic disorders are observed when using the ointment under bandages, during long-term treatment and in the widespread form of pathology.

Antibiotics for microbial eczema can be prescribed for both external and systemic use to completely eliminate the bacterial factor that maintains inflammation in the affected areas. Antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs in this case will not be able to solve the problem on their own.

Depending on the bacterial pathogen and the severity of the pathology, broad-spectrum antibiotics of different groups may be prescribed: penicillins (ampicillin), tetracyclines (doxycycline), macrolides (azithromycin, erythromycin), cephalosporins (cefazolin) and, in severe cases of purulent skin lesions, fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin).

The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics makes it possible to fight not only the pathogen, but also to prevent the addition of other infections during periods of exacerbation, when the lesions are most sensitive to the influence of pathogenic microorganisms.

Treatment of microbial eczema at home

Since microbial eczema is characterized by a chronic inflammatory process, its treatment is not always justified in a hospital. Inpatient treatment may be prescribed during periods of exacerbation in widespread and other severe forms of pathology.

Typically, microbial eczema is treated at home. After diagnosis and diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment (usually topical and oral medications), which will need to be taken primarily during periods of exacerbation.

In addition to the above-mentioned drugs for the treatment of microbial eczema, as a pathology of an allergic nature, enterosorbents can be used. They can be purchased at any pharmacy. The drugs are inexpensive and will not cause harm, but they will help fight the symptoms caused by intoxication of the body due to allergies. A good effect is given by taking activated carbon or the drug "Polysorb".

During the treatment of eczema, certain precautions must be taken. During an exacerbation of the disease, exposure of the affected areas to moisture and sunlight is considered undesirable. Sunbathing is prohibited during the acute period of the disease. Do not overheat under any circumstances.

It is necessary to avoid using household chemicals due to their negative (allergenic) effect on the body. Washing dishes and doing laundry with eczema on the hands is possible only in protective gloves.

Hygiene products should be gentle, natural if possible, and include medicinal plants with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

You should also pay attention to your diet. A diet for microbial eczema involves excluding foods that can cause allergic reactions, such as chocolate and tropical fruits (citrus fruits), berries, chicken eggs, and seafood. There should be no chemical flavors or dyes in your meals. Alcoholic beverages, sweet soda, marinades and pickles, spices and seasonings, and coffee are also excluded.

Nutrition for microbial eczema should be balanced. The lack of eggs can be compensated by lean meat, instead of sweets, eat more fruit.

To avoid exacerbations, the diet should contain only foods permitted for microbial eczema. These are fermented milk and low-fat dairy products, fresh, boiled or stewed vegetables, local fruits, light dietary meats, porridges. Vegetable soups and broths, vegetable and cottage cheese casseroles are also useful.

Folk remedies

Microbial eczema, like other skin diseases, can be treated using effective folk recipes. However, folk treatment of the disease should be carried out in combination with traditional medication and physiotherapy.

Here are some useful recipes that can be successfully used to treat bacterial eczema at home.

1. As a drying agent for weeping eczema of any etiology, it is useful to use the gruel and juice of fresh potatoes. They are used for applications (exposure time 20 minutes) and lotions that help eliminate edema syndrome and stimulate regenerative processes in the skin. Honey can be added to the potato gruel, which will only enhance the therapeutic effect.
2. Garlic recipes are great for fighting bacterial infections. Garlic can be used both fresh (you can get a burn!) and boiled. It is crushed to a mushy state and mixed with honey in equal proportions. It is recommended to apply the mixture to the affected areas three times a day. The exposure time should be discussed with a doctor.

Quite a few folk medicine recipes for the treatment of microbial eczema are based on herbal treatment. Decoctions for poultices and applications can be prepared from pine needles and pine cones (100 g of raw materials per 1 liter of boiling water), fresh walnut leaves (100 g of leaves per ½ liter of boiling water), herbal infusions (may contain calendula, succession, yarrow, St. John's wort, nettle, birch buds, chamomile and other medicinal herbs).

It is also useful to apply slightly crushed or beaten fresh elder leaves to wounds. The exposure time is 15 minutes.

As internal remedies, you can use infusions of yarrow herb or dandelion roots.

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Homeopathic treatment

Homeopathy will also help patients with microbial eczema; its medications are relatively safe and quite effective for various types of eczematous skin lesions.

Since microbial eczema is characterized by a chronic course, and during exacerbation, weeping wounds appear, the main drug for homeopathic treatment will be Graphites in the form of granules and ointment.

As an antibacterial component, it is recommended to use the drug Oleander, which is effective in the case of exudate and pus being released from under the crusts.

As an external remedy, you can use ointments prepared on the basis of homeopathic preparations Viola tricolor and Rus toxicodendron.

For any eczema accompanied by itching, it is recommended to take Gelsemium, Arsenicum album, Sulphur, China and other drugs prescribed by a homeopathic physician in accordance with the diagnosis, constitutional and psychophysical characteristics of the patient's body.

Prevention

Preventing the development of such a pathology as microbial eczema is quite difficult. Even if you keep the wound in sterile conditions (which is almost impossible with eczema on the hands and feet), it is simply impossible to exclude the development of pathology with a 100% guarantee. After all, bacteria can "sleep" inside the body and become active under the influence of unfavorable factors.

However, it is entirely possible to reduce the likelihood and frequency of relapses of the disease by adhering to certain rules:

• following a special diet that excludes food allergens,
• treatment of various chronic pathologies, especially of an infectious nature,
• increasing immunity,
• giving up bad habits,
• maintaining personal hygiene using natural products,
• wearing clothes and underwear strictly made from natural fabrics, synthetics, wool and flannel are prohibited,
• stabilization of the psycho-emotional state, elimination of stressful situations,
• regular seaside vacations during periods of remission,
• in case of varicose eczema, wearing special stockings or bandaging the legs in the affected area with medical bandages,
• regular preventive examinations by a dermatologist (4-6 times a year).

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Forecast

The prognosis for the disease is generally favorable. Timely treatment and adherence to the doctor's recommendations regarding nutrition and leisure will help to significantly reduce the likelihood of relapses of the disease.

Microbial eczema is a non-contagious skin disease that can be treated. It is not as difficult to treat as it seems at first glance. If you start treating the disease at an early stage, there is every chance to forget about it for a long time.