5 Skin Infections That Worsen Atopic Dermatitis
Health ConditionsSkin ConditionsEczema

Atopic Dermatitis and Skin Infections: What to Watch For

Atopic Dermatitis and Skin Infections: What to Watch For
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Published on July 22, 2026
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An atopic dermatitis flare can leave your skin feeling angry and itchy. But it can also leaves your skin prone to infections — which, in turn, could make your eczema worse.

When you have eczema, your skin’s protective barrier is disrupted, both from inflammation and frequent scratching. That makes it easier for bacteria, fungus, or viruses living on your skin to get in and cause infections, says Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology in New York City.

Frequent infections could be a sign that your condition isn’t as well-managed as it could be. That can lead to a vicious cycle, since infections can also trigger new flares that leave your skin even more vulnerable.

How to Tell the Difference Between an Atopic Dermatitis Flare and a Skin Infection

A flare and a skin infection can sometimes look similar. Both can cause redness, swelling, and itching or discomfort. “Because there may be overlap between the two and discriminating the difference can be difficult, it is recommended to see a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation and treatment,” Dr. Camp says.

If you have an infection, your dermatologist can figure out the underlying cause and the best way to treat it. If it’s a flare, you can talk about ways to better manage your eczema — which will help you feel better and reduce your risk for future flares and infections.

“Eczema that is well controlled maintains the ability of the skin barrier to protect the body from infections by microorganisms,” Camp says.

Getting control starts with knowing what to look for.

Staph Aureus

Atopic dermatitis can make you prone to having the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, living on your skin. Experts don’t fully understand why, but it could have to do with a weakened skin barrier, which makes it easier for bacteria like staph to thrive.

While staph bacteria usually isn’t harmful — and is commonly carried in the nose and on the surface of the skin — it can cause an infection if the skin is already damaged; in fact, it’s one of the most common causes of eczema-related skin infections.

 If you’re affected, your skin might appear red, swollen, or have honey-colored crusting or oozing, as well as feel painful and warm to the touch.

Staph skin infections can be treated with topical or oral antibiotics. It’s important to seek treatment quickly, because these infections can become serious or even life-threatening.

Furuncles

Sometimes called boils, furuncles are infections that occur when bacteria enter hair follicles on your skin. These infections are relatively common in people with eczema and can form on eczema patches or plaques.

Furuncles look like big pimples. They might be red or yellowish and feel warm or tender to the touch. Sometimes they’ll go away on their own, but you can speed up the process by applying a warm compress to the area for 10 minutes several times a day.

 Avoid popping or squeezing the furuncle, which can cause the infection to spread.

See your dermatologist if your furuncle doesn’t clear up within two weeks or keeps getting bigger. They can drain it at their office and prescribe antibiotics to help the infection heal.

Eczema Herpeticum

Eczema herpeticum, which is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2), affects around 3 percent of people with eczema.

This infection usually shows up as small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on an eczema patch on the face, neck, or upper torso. Over time, the blisters can start to spread and become pitted or crusty.

Eczema herpeticum must be treated with antiviral medications. Like Staphylococcus aureus, the infection can turn serious or even life-threatening without treatment.

Malassezia

Malassezia is a type of fungus that normally lives on the skin. But overgrowths of malassezia can cause fungal infections, particularly among people with eczema.

A malassezia infection causes red, itchy bumps. It’s not serious, but it can be uncomfortable and stubborn. While the infection can be treated with topical or antifungal medications or shampoos, some people find that their symptoms come back after their treatment stops.

 Talk to your doctor; you may need to continue using certain treatments to prevent the symptoms from returning.

Molloscum

This viral skin infection causes small, itchy, flesh-colored bumps on the face, torso, arms, or legs. While it’s more common in young children than adults, studies estimate that people with eczema are about 13 percent more prone to the infection.

Molloscum infections can clear up on their own, but it can take up to two years before the symptoms subside. What’s more, it’s highly contagious, and scratching the bumps can cause the infection to spread across the body. Your dermatologist might recommend topical medications or removing the bumps by scraping, freezing, or laser treatments.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
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Resources
  1. Alexander H et al. The Role of Bacterial Skin Infections in Atopic Dermatitis: Expert Statement and Review From the International Eczema Council Skin Infection Group. British Journal of Dermatology. December 4, 2019.
  2. Wang V et al. The Infectious Complications of Atopic Dermatitis. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. August 7, 2020.
  3. Staphylococcus Aureus Basics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 15, 2024.
  4. Health Conditions Related to Eczema. National Eczema Association. February 18, 2025.
  5. Staph Infections. Mayo Clinic. December 16, 2025.
  6. Boils and Carbuncles. Mayo Clinic. September 18, 2021.
  7. Syed HA. Eczema Herpeticum. StatPearls. August 12, 2024.
  8. Saunte DML. Malassezia-Associated Skin Diseases, the Use of Diagnostics and Treatment. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. March 19, 2020.
  9. Is That Eczema or an Infection on my Child’s Skin? American Academy of Dermatology Association.
  10. Malassezia (Pityrosporum) Folliculitis. Cleveland Clinic. April 25, 2022.
  11. Andre N et al. Does Molluscum Contagiosum Need to be Managed Differently in Atopic Children? Acta Dermato Venereologica. April 20, 2024.
  12. Molloscum Contagiosum. Mayo Clinic. February 16, 2024.
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Susan Bard, MD

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Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sin...

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