Signs an Eczema Flare-Up May Be Infected

Know the Signs, Get the Right Help, Then Get Back to Calm Skin

Is your eczema suddenly sorer, weepier or crustier than usual? Eczema-prone skin can sometimes pick up an infection, especially when it is cracked or has been scratched. Spotting the signs early means you can get the right treatment quickly and get back to your normal routine sooner.

What you’ll learn

• Why eczema-prone skin can sometimes become infected
• The signs of a bacterial infection
• The signs of eczema herpeticum, which needs same-day care
• What to do next, and how to care for your skin once it has healed
• Simple habits that help keep skin comfortable and protected

Why eczema-prone skin can become infected

Healthy skin acts as a barrier. During an eczema flare, that barrier is drier and more easily broken, and scratching can open small cracks in the skin. Bacteria that normally live harmlessly on the skin, most often Staphylococcus aureus, can then get in and cause an infection.

This is common and nothing to feel embarrassed about. It simply means your skin needs a different kind of help for a little while.

Signs of a bacterial infection

A bacterial infection is the most common type. Look out for:

• Rapidly worsening eczema that changes over a day or two rather than following its usual pattern
• Weeping: clear or yellowish fluid oozing from the skin
• Crusting: yellow or golden crusts that can look like impetigo
• Pustules: small spots filled with yellow or white pus
• Pain, heat or swelling in the affected area
• Fever or feeling generally unwell

Your GP or pharmacist can look at the skin and recommend the right treatment, which may include an antiseptic, an antibiotic cream or, for wider areas, antibiotic tablets.

Eczema herpeticum: the one to act on straight away

What to do if you think your eczema is infected

1. Contact your GP or pharmacist the same day. Quick treatment helps the skin settle faster.
2. Follow the treatment you are given for the full course, even once the skin starts to look better.
3. Keep your nails short and clean to protect the skin from scratching.
4. Wash your hands before and after touching the area, and use a fresh towel each time.
5. Ask your GP or pharmacist about moisturising while the infection is being treated, and follow their advice on which products to use and when.

Starting fresh once the infection has cleared

Open tubs and jars of cream can pick up bacteria from fingers. Once the infection has cleared, NICE guidance recommends replacing any open containers used during the infection with new supplies.

This is where a pump bottle helps. With Bragan Atopic Cream, you press the pump and the cream comes straight out, so fingers never go into the bottle. One pump covers both hands, and the 50ml bottle gives over 100 pumps.

Helping your skin stay calm and protected

Well-moisturised skin is more supple and less likely to crack, which helps it stay comfortable day to day. These everyday habits help:

• Moisturise regularly, especially after washing, while the skin is still slightly damp
• Choose fragrance-free products for dry, sensitive skin
• Keep nails short and try pressing or patting itchy skin instead of scratching
• Use a pump bottle or a clean spoon for creams, so the product stays clean
• Wash with lukewarm water and a gentle, soap-free wash

For more on handling flare-ups, read our guide to eczema flare-ups and how long eczema flare-ups last. If your hands are weeping, our guide to weeping hand eczema explains what to look out for.

From our family snail farm in County Monaghan

Bragan Skincare is a family-run Irish business with its own snail farm. We collect the snail mucin for our skincare gently, keeping the snails healthy, and use it in a fragrance-free range made for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

Learn more about snail mucin in skincare and the Bragan family story, or visit our eczema guide.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my eczema is infected?

Signs include eczema that is getting worse quickly, weeping or oozing, yellow or golden crusts, small pus-filled spots, skin that feels hot, swollen or painful, and feeling unwell or feverish. If you notice any of these, contact your GP or pharmacist the same day.

What does eczema herpeticum look like?

Eczema herpeticum usually appears as painful, quickly worsening eczema with clusters of small blisters or small, round, punched-out sores, sometimes with a fever. It needs same-day medical care, so contact your GP, out-of-hours service or emergency department straight away.

Should I keep moisturising if my eczema is infected?

Ask your GP or pharmacist, and follow their advice on which products to use while the infection is treated. Once it has cleared, start with fresh supplies and get back to regular moisturising to keep your skin supple and comfortable.

Why do I need new cream after an infection?

Open tubs and jars can pick up bacteria from fingers. Replacing them once the infection has cleared gives your skin a clean start. A pump bottle, like Bragan Atopic Cream, keeps fingers out of the cream every time.

How can I help my eczema stay calm after an infection?

Moisturise regularly with a gentle, fragrance-free cream, keep nails short, wash with lukewarm water and a soap-free wash, and use a pump bottle or clean spoon for creams. Well-moisturised skin is more supple and less likely to crack.

About the author

Kieran Corley is the founder of Bragan Skincare in County Monaghan. He writes from his experience of skincare product development, the family snail farm and conversations with customers. This guide provides general information to help you know when to get the right care.

Last reviewed: October 2026

Further reading

For more information, see the HSE infected eczema guideline and NICE information on eczema and infections.