There are several types of eczema, each with distinct symptoms. Eczema with weeping sores — also known as weepy, weeping, or wet eczema — isn’t limited to a specific type. Rather, it can occur as a more severe symptom of any form of eczema. It involves blisters that ooze or sores that leak clear fluid or pus. These weeping wounds may mean extreme inflammation or an infection. Usually, these infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (“staph”).

Living with infected, oozing, scaly patches of skin can be difficult, especially on top of other eczema symptoms such as itchiness and dryness. Fortunately, you can manage eczema that weeps — both at home and with your health care provider.

Why Is My Eczema Weeping?

Out of the seven different types of eczema, three are more likely to cause blisters and sores that weep:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Nummular (or discoid) dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form, and its chronic (ongoing) nature often makes it more challenging to manage.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, affecting millions of people in the United States. When it flares up, the skin becomes itchy and discolored.

Atopic dermatitis is caused by factors related to an overactive immune system and a lack of certain proteins in a person’s skin barrier. The skin can’t retain moisture as well to protect against irritants, allergens, and bacteria. As a result, the skin struggles to retain moisture and protect against irritants, allergens, and bacteria, leading to blisters, sores, infections, and weeping.

Nummular Dermatitis

Nummular dermatitis, also known as discoid eczema, is a relatively common type of eczema that often flares up in the winter. It causes round lesions shaped like discs. The term “nummular” comes from the Latin word “nummulus,” meaning “small coin.”

The lesions start with a bumpy surface and fuzzy edges. Within a few days, they may develop into blisters that ooze or weep. Usually, this type of eczema affects the lower legs, abdomen, and arms, and sometimes, the hands and fingers.

Dyshidrotic Dermatitis

Another common type of eczema is dyshidrotic eczema. It’s also called pompholyx, foot-and-hand eczema, palmoplantar eczema, and vesicular eczema. Symptoms only affect the hands and feet. This type is more common in women than in men, according to the National Eczema Association. It may occur as a single flare-up or become a chronic condition with recurring symptoms.

Dyshidrotic eczema flare-ups usually start with a rash and painful blisters on the sides of the fingers. Occasionally, itching and burning are the first symptoms. When blisters finally heal, they may leave behind discolored, dry skin that often peels and can become infected.

How Does It Feel To Have Weeping Eczema?

Eczema that weeps can be very painful. Many members of MyEczemaTeam have dealt with blisters, oozing, and wet patches on the skin that affect their quality of life.

“I’m having a horrible day,” wrote one member. “I’m so emotional. A grown man crying, hiding. I don’t want anybody to see the blisters all over my hands.”

Another explained, “I get tiny blisters all over my hands and the bottoms of my feet. It’s really painful and very embarrassing.”

Other members describe their weeping blisters as painful. “I have blisters on my feet,” one described. “When the blisters pop, they make sores and spread. It’s itchy and painful.”

Another shared that they couldn’t sleep for hours due to their weeping scalp: “It is oozing clear liquid, but I can’t stop scratching.”

Some find that the symptom lasts for a long time. “My ears are oozing and crusty, and it’s getting in my hair. I have never had a breakout so bad. It’s literally been two months now. I feel so hopeless,” wrote one member.

If you, like these members, feel overwhelmed by your skin symptoms, talk to a dermatology specialist for more support and treatment options.

How To Treat Oozing Eczema

Although eczema is common, managing it can be especially difficult when weeping sores are present. The good news is that this symptom can often be treated and even prevented with proper care.

Prevention of Weeping Sores

Knowing what triggers your flare-ups can help to manage your symptoms. For many types of eczema, these basic guidelines will help reduce flare-ups and skin weeping:

• Know what triggers your eczema and avoid those things as much as possible.
• Avoid scratching patches of eczema, which may cause irritation or injury.
• Create and follow a daily skin care routine for bathing and moisturizing.
• Use any medications or prescriptions as your doctor recommends — and do so consistently.
• Use a humidifier in your home to prevent your skin from drying out.
• Use hypoallergenic laundry detergent and soaps.
• Keep your skin hydrated with an emollient or moisturizer.
• Wear clothing made of thin, breathable material that does not irritate or itch your skin.

Eczema Treatments

Many different medications and products can be used to treat the symptoms of eczema such as itching and flare-ups. These include:

• Antihistamines
• Biologics
• Emollients
• Oral immunosuppressants
• Phototherapy
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors
• Topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors (PDE4s)
• Topical and oral janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors
• Topical and oral steroids
• Traditional systemic medications

Your dermatologist will work with you to determine what treatment or combination of treatments works best in managing your symptoms.

Antibiotics

If your eczema causes wet sores that get infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Topical antibiotic treatments, such as mupirocin (Bactroban), are typically used for small infected areas, while oral antibiotics, like cephalexin (Keflex), can treat more extensive infections.

At-Home Treatment for Weepy Eczema

Alongside your doctor’s medical advice, the following may help give you relief from eczema that weeps.

Wet-wrap therapy may help manage skin weeping, especially for that caused by atopic dermatitis. It can be used with or without a topical steroid (corticosteroid). For a wet wrap, follow these steps:

1. Apply the medication your doctor suggested — or none, if that was specified — to the affected areas.
2. Wrap those areas in a layer of cotton gauze or bandages dampened with clean, lukewarm water. Cover the wet layer with dry bandages or cotton clothing. This technique boosts your skin’s moisture, improves the absorption of topical medications, and provides a physical barrier to discourage scratching.

You can also dissolve aluminum acetate (such as Domeboro) in water to moisten your wet wrap or for a soak. This astringent may help dry out the oozing and weeping caused by eczema or contact dermatitis.

Should I Go to the Emergency Room for Weeping Eczema?

If you have severe weeping eczema — or if you believe your eczema lesions could be infected — contact your primary care provider or dermatologist. Depending on your symptoms, they may want you to go for an in-office visit or straight to the emergency room. You should also speak with your doctor before treating anything on your own or trying a new treatment regimen for the first time.

Find Your Team

Eczema and its symptoms can be challenging to manage — but you’re not alone. On MyEczemaTeam, the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones, more than 53,000 members from around the world come together to swap stories, ask and answer questions, and meet others who understand life with eczema.

Have you experienced weeping eczema? How did you work to manage it? Share your experience and tips in the comments below or by posting on MyEczemaTeam.