Hydrocortisone and infected eczema?

[ILoveAFullFridge]

I think my eczema may be infected (I scratched ). Can I continue using the hydrocortisone ointment? No open wounds, just red and swollen - looks a bit like the allergic reaction I get to insect bites, but I know for certain it's not an insect bite.

You can, but it won't tackle the infection, so you'll still itch. You would be better going to your doctor and getting some Trimovate which is a smidge stronger than the hydrocortisone but will also see off the infection which you need or it'll drag on forever ime. That'll sort it out in no time. :) hth

Thanks. At least I can continue to treat the eczema.

Any chance it might clear up on its own? It's not weeping puss or hurting or anything, just hot and swollen. If anything, it seems less itchy today.

Mayyyyybe. But if a visit to the doc is no bother I'd get the Trimovate cos by the time you realise it's not going away you could have had it a while and it slows down your healing. If you get another patch you'll pass the infection on as it'll be under your fingernails normally, particularly if you scratch without realising at night.

Oh expletive expletive skin conditions! I am soooo fed up with this.

It feels like I'm at the GP more than I'm at home these days.

Oh yes! Know that feeling. :)