Infected Eczema

NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries - Infected eczema

Episodes of infected eczema usually co-exist with a flare and will require concomitant treatment

In people who are not systemically unwell, do not routinely offer either a topical or oral antibiotic for secondary bacterial infection of eczema.

Take into account:

• The limited benefit of antibiotics in addition to topical corticosteroids compared with topical corticosteroids alone
• The risk of antimicrobial resistance with repeated courses of antibiotics
• The extent and severity of symptoms or signs
• The risk of developing complications, which is higher in people with underlying conditions such as immunosuppression

Do not take a swab unless there is history of frequent recurrence of infected eczema

If after consideration antibiotic felt indicated:

• Localized areas of infection and systemically well: Topical Fusidic acid
• More widespread infection or systemically unwell: Oral antibiotic