using-antimicrobials-eczema
The eczema itch ycle makes eczema even worse, but antimicrobials can help with this as a baseline defense.
✅ 1. Staph aureus colonization is extremely common
Up to 90% of moderate-to-severe eczema skin sites are colonized with Staph, even without obvious infection. This colonization: • Delivers toxins and superantigens that activate immune cells • Disrupts barrier repair pathways • Worsens inflammation • Increases itch and scratching (This is a well-documented dermatological finding.)
So reducing bacterial burden can: • Lower antigenic stimulation • Reduce immune activation • Allow barrier repair to proceed
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🧼 Hypochlorous Acid — Why It’s Used
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) sprays like the SkinSmart products are essentially:
A mild, non-irritating antimicrobial rinse that reduces bacterial load on skin without harsh detergents or antibiotics.
Important points:
🔹 HOCl is non-cytotoxic at appropriate concentrations
It can reduce surface bacteria without killing skin cells.
🔹 It doesn’t drive antibiotic resistance
It’s not an antibiotic — it’s a broad antimicrobial rinse.
🔹 It can help decolonize bacteria
Especially useful in: • Flaring eczema • Oozing lesions • Areas that get scratched frequently • Areas with signs of inflammation without full infection
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🧠 What “70% of eczema is linked to bacteria” Really Means
That claim isn’t about bacteria causing eczema.
It means: • In a majority of moderate-to-severe cases, • Bacterial colonization exacerbates the inflammation and itch cycle.
It doesn’t mean: • Eczema is fundamentally an infection • Antibiotics alone cure it • All flares are bacterial
But it does mean that addressing bacterial burden can break part of the itch–scratch–immune activation cycle.
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🧱 How an Antimicrobial Fits Into a Protocol
Here’s a rational multi-layered approach for eczema—not just one product:
🔹 1. Barrier Protection • Thick moisturizers (especially ceramide-rich) • Night occlusion on severe areas • Avoiding irritants
Barrier = primary defense
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🔹 2. Surface Antimicrobial (Hypochlorous Acid)
Used before moisturization.
Why this order? 1. Spray to reduce surface bacteria 2. Pat dry (don’t rub) 3. Apply barrier moisturizer
This way bacteria are removed and the barrier moisturizer doesn’t trap them.