What is Eczema Coxsackium?

Atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema that causes the skin to become red, dry, and incredibly itchy. When not treated correctly, or if subject to intense scratching, the skin can even become cracked and broken. This increases the risk of infection, which, in turn, can lead to eczema coxsackium.

In this post, we’ll break down the symptoms and causes of eczema coxsackium, provide some helpful tips on treatment options, and suggest some preventative measures you can take to stop this skin disease from developing in the first place.

Please keep in mind that although these recommendations might relieve Eczema Coxsackium, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms like fever or an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately. 

What is Eczema Coxsackium?

Eczema Coxsackium is a painful and highly contagious infection that develops when a pre-existing case of atopic dermatitis becomes infected with a virus known as coxsackievirus. 

This condition is often characterized by clusters of small, fluid-filled blisters or vesicles appearing on the skin previously affected by atopic dermatitis.

Who Is at Risk for Eczema Coxsackium?

The most common group to develop the infection is children under 10 who already have eczema or another inflammatory skin disease. This is because their bodies have not yet built up immunity to the disease and because their pre-existing eczema has damaged the outer layer of their skin, leaving it vulnerable to infection.

That being said, it’s still possible for older children and adults to contract the infection, particularly those with weakened immune systems or damaged skin.

What Causes Eczema Coxsackium?  

As a viral infection, eczema coxsackium can easily pass from person to person. The most common methods of transfer are:

• Stool
• Saliva
• Blister Fluid
• Nasal Discharge

Symptoms of Eczema Coxsackium

The symptoms of eczema coxsackium are similar to the features of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), except more severe.

• Severe rash
• Fever
• Blisters or painful oral ulcers
• Painful skin vesicles over the hands, feet, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks
• Sore throat
• Widespread, inflamed areas of weeping erosions and papules spreading from the face to the feet

Think your child might be suffering from a staph infection? Check out our blog post on 3 Types of Eczema Staph Infections.

Eczema Coxsackium Treatments 

While hospital admission may be required in acute illness cases, you can often soothe the blisters and rashes of eczema coxsackium at home by using natural eczema creams. It’s essential to stop using topical corticosteroids as an eczema coxsackium treatment because these are thought to contribute to the viral spread.

This Hot Skin Soother provides relief for oozing, inflamed, or angry-looking rashes. Made with safe herbs such as organic sunflower oil and beeswax, it works wonders in relieving irritation in skin folds, armpits, groin area, and elbow and knee creases.

For further itch relief, we recommend this Organic Calendula Oil. Full of vitamins and antioxidants, it gives dry or cracked skin an extra boost of moisture. Plus, it’s gentle enough for the sensitive skin of your little one.

In addition, wet wrap therapy has been used successfully as an eczema coxsackium treatment. To wet wrap, you simply need to apply a natural eczema cream and then cover it with a damp layer and a dry layer. The damp layer locks in moisture and allows the emollients to better permeate the skin and treat active eczema. The stretchy, soft material of these Eczema Sleeves makes them excellent for applying wet wrap therapy anywhere on the body.

Dry wrapping is also a great alternative treatment to use for this type of condition. Again, this process helps emollients better permeate the extensor surfaces but is less time-consuming and complicated.

For more information on dyshidrotic eczema, check out our blog post: What is Dyshidrotic Eczema?

Finally, you can’t go wrong with Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream. Not only is it anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, but it’s also so rich in emollients that even the driest of skin doesn’t stand a chance against its hydrating power. Plus, it offers the perfect relief for sensitive skin without any burning or stinging. Discover the best eczema treatments for babies that are safe and natural.

How to Prevent Eczema Coxsackium 

The best way to prevent spreading or contracting this skin infection and avoid various unusual cutaneous findings is by practicing good hygiene and teaching your child to do the same as early as possible.

Particularly if your child attends daycare or school where the risk of catching viral infections and other illnesses is naturally higher, it’s important to teach them to avoid putting their hands or other objects near their mouths to avoid getting a mouth disease or other infections. 

Encourage them to cover their mouth when sneezing or coughing. Remind them to thoroughly wash their hands before eating and after using the restroom or being out in public. If your child experiences symptoms such as a fever or sore throat, be sure to keep them away from school to prevent an enterovirus outbreak.

Finally, to minimize the chance of the virus entering the body through broken skin, treat your child’s eczema as soon as possible. If they are constantly scratching or picking at their skin, try these Eczema Gloves for Kids. Made from soothing TENCEL and antibacterial zinc, they’re perfect for preventing scratching while playing or sleeping.

Various Types of Eczema

Some of the most common types of eczema are:

• Atopic dermatitis. It is a very common skin condition affecting mostly small children but not exclusively. The term is often used interchangeably with eczema. Its symptoms are usually skin dryness, inflammation, and itchiness. Skin previously affected with atopic dermatitis can easily develop a disseminated infection caused by the herpes simplex virus called eczema herpeticum.
• Contact dermatitis. This form of eczema causes red and itchy skin as a reaction to environmental triggers – it is sometimes also called allergic contact dermatitis.
• Seborrheic dermatitis. It is an inflammatory type of eczema that can develop mostly on your scalp.
• Nummular eczema. In this type of eczema (also referred to as nummular dermatitis), you get small, rounded lesions on legs and arms, and sometimes also other parts of the body.
• Neurodermatitis. Also known as discoid eczema, it is similar to atopic dermatitis, affecting small patches of skin and making them itchy and scaly usually presented in small circles.

The Bottom Line

Keep in mind that the proper differential diagnosis can only be performed by a qualified medical professional – do not underestimate any skin condition, and go to the doctor as soon as you notice any unusual cutaneous findings on your or your child’s skin that may suggest eczema coxsackium or another infection. The sooner the disease is diagnosed and treated, the easier it is to come back to full health.