Weeping eczema can feel uncomfortable and distressing. By partnering with a board-certified dermatologist, you can manage it at home and get relief.
What is weeping eczema?
When fluid leaks from eczema spots and patches on your skin, it’s called weeping eczema. Any type of eczema can weep.
“Weeping eczema happens when your skin gets so irritated that it starts to ooze fluid — this is the ‘weeping,’” says board-certified dermatologist John Browning, MD, FAAD, FAAP.
You can still have itch, swelling, and other eczema symptoms alongside a weepy rash.
What are the symptoms of weeping eczema?
Eczema often causes intensely itchy rashes. Sometimes, the rashes have blisters filled with clear or yellowish fluid. If these blisters burst, the fluid oozes, or weeps, out, and makes your rash wet instead of dry. The fluid then dries and leaves a honey-colored crust on your skin.
Weeping eczema is not contagious
However, you need to treat weeping eczema so that it will heal and you will feel better.
Is weeping eczema an infection?
Not necessarily. However, your eczema rash may also leak fluid if it is infected. It’s easy to get an infection when you have broken skin, like from an eczema rash. Some infections that can cause your eczema rash to weep include:
A bacterial infection, like impetigo or staphylococcus (staph)
Herpes simplex (cold sores)
Ringworm
Any new or increase in fluid draining from your skin should be examined by your doctor, according to board-certified dermatologist Anna Yasmine Kirkorian, MD, FAAD. Your dermatologist knows how to tell weeping eczema from a skin infection and can provide treatment.
Is relief from weeping eczema possible?
Weeping eczema is not always a sign of infection, but it can be a sign that you should see your dermatologist. It shows your eczema needs better treatment to get relief. Your dermatologist can recommend self-care tips or prescribe treatment, if needed.
─ Anna Yasmine Kirkorian, MD, FAAD
You are not alone, and weeping eczema will get better with the right treatment and care. Eczema can be challenging, but with a good skin care routine, proper medical treatment, and patience, you can regain control and comfort.
─ John Browning, MD, FAAD, FAAP
When should I see a dermatologist for weeping eczema?
Partner with a board-certified dermatologist for weeping eczema if:
Your eczema rashes have not leaked fluid before. As the skin experts, dermatologists have the medical training needed to tell whether your weeping rash is eczema or another condition like an infection.
The weeping lasts more than a few days or happens a lot, and self-care at home doesn’t help.
The eczema rash shows signs of infection, like swelling, pain, pus, or fever.
Weeping eczema can make you very uncomfortable. Your dermatologist can share advice and prescribe treatment to help you feel better.
How can I dry up weeping eczema?
It’s important to treat weeping eczema to prevent infection and help you stay comfortable. Follow these tips to treat weeping eczema:
Treat your eczema by partnering with a board-certified dermatologist. You might need to change your treatment plan, depending on how bad your weeping eczema rash is. “I often recommend a medicine you apply to your skin to reduce inflammation in weeping eczema,” says Dr. Browning.
Keep the area clean and dry. Cleanse the weeping area up to twice daily with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Then, pat your skin dry.
Apply wet wraps. This therapy helps hydrate and heal your skin. After applying your moisturizer or medication, wrap the area in wet towels or pajamas, then wrap it again with a dry layer of towels or pajamas.
Stop using any new skin care products. You might have an allergy to a new product in your routine, says Dr. Kirkorian. That can cause allergic contact dermatitis, another type of eczema. If you have an allergy and stop using the product, your rash should feel better and the weeping should stop.
Treat your infection if you have one. Your dermatologist may prescribe an antibiotic you apply to your skin or take by mouth.
Can I prevent weeping eczema?
If your eczema is well-managed, you’re less likely to get rashes that leak. To help manage your eczema and prevent weeping, follow these at-home steps:
Avoid your eczema triggers, like skin care with fragrance, harsh detergents, or overheating.
Use eczema-friendly skin care, even when you don’t have a rash. This helps keep your skin healthy and prevent flares. “Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize,” recommends Dr. Browning. When your skin isn’t leaking, use a thick moisturizer like petroleum jelly or fragrance-free ointment.
Try not to scratch. Scratching can open up the blisters in your eczema rash. To help prevent scratching at night, “keep nails short and consider wearing cotton gloves or socks over hands,” says Dr. Browning.
Practice proper wound care. Gently cleanse the rash daily and cover with a bandage, when needed. This will help prevent your eczema flares from worsening or getting infected.
To locate a dermatologist who specializes in eczema near you, visit Find a Dermatologist.
Images
Image 1: Getty Images
Image 2: Courtesy of Anna Yasmine Kirkorian, MD, FAAD
Image 3: Courtesy of John Browning, MD, FAAD, FAAP
References
Alexander H, Paller AS, Traidl-Hoffmann C, et al. The role of bacterial skin infections in atopic dermatitis: expert statement and review from the International Eczema Council Skin Infection Group. Br J Dermatol. 2020 Jun;182(6):1331-1342.
Jeskey J, Kurien C, Blunk Het al. Atopic Dermatitis: A Review of Diagnosis and Treatment. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 2024 Dec;29(6):587-603.
Written by:
Brooke Schleehauf
Reviewed by:
John Browning, MD, FAAD, FAAP
Anna Yasmine Kirkorian, MD, FAAD
Shari Lipner MD, PhD, FAAD
Michael O'Donoghue, MD, FAAD
Temitayo Ogunleye, MD, FAAD
