Why are Antimicrobials often sold with Eczema Creams?
The bacteria, Staphylococcus Aureus, can be found on most people’s skin. However, on skin that is affected by atopic eczema, increased numbers of these bacteria are found in over 90 percent of eczema cases. These bacteria seem to bind more readily to skin that is inflamed. This can cause the inflammation to worsen because the bacteria secrete substances called superantigens. These allergy-inducing substances activate the immune cells in the skin, causing them to release substances that further increase inflammation. Controlling the number of these bacteria on the skin can help to control the eczema greatly. By removing the bacteria, the eczema is much easier to treat.
