The Bacteria Living on Your Child’s Skin

Eczema seems to attract certain bacteria, in particular Staphylococcus aureus, which are found on the surface of the skin in the majority of children with eczema. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus on the skin does not necessarily indicate infection. It has been suggested that children with eczema may be hypersensitive to some of these bacteria and that this may aggravate the condition. Children with eczema are susceptible to skin infections, because of scratching and splitting of the skin. An acute flare-up of eczema is often associated with secondary bacterial infection and usually requires treatment with an antibiotic. When infected your child will feel very unwell. If this is suspected, you must contact your doctor as soon as possible. It is important to keep children with
eczema away from anyone with an active cold sore as they may spread the virus over widespread areas of skin. Children with eczema are also susceptible to warts and molluscum contagiosum. These are often numerous small white bumps and persistent – it may take 6 months to one year, and sometimes even longer – but eventually they do disappear – with or without treatment!