Infections and EB

Due to constantly having open wounds, those with EB are highly susceptible to getting an infection.

There are 4 main types of infection those with EB get:

Staph

Strep

Pseudomonas

MRSA - (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)

(there are also dozens of other bacterial infections that one can contract, but these seem to be most common among EB) 

Signs of an infection

red or swollen wound, sometimes it will feel hot

foul odor

excessive drainage )more than usual)

excessive pain and/or itching (more than usual)

a fever

(Greenish-blue drainage can indicate a pseudomonas infection. Cloudy, pea-green or yellowish drainage can indicate a strep or staph infection. )

Only a wound culture performed by a doctor can tell you what type of bacteria is causing the infection. 

Typically skin infections are treated with topical antibiotics, such as Polysporin or Bacitracin. Sometimes a prescription-strength topical antibiotic such as Bactroban is necessary. Only use Bactroban as prescribed. Overuse of it can cause your body to become resistant to it and it will no longer work when you really need it to. The same with oral antibiotics. Use those only when necessary so that your body doesn't become resistant to them as well. 

In addition to topical and oral antibiotics, there are other home remedies that you can do to help eliminate the bacteria. 

For Pseudomonas Infection, you will want to use an acetic solution and the most common thing to use is Vinegar. 

The acetic acid formula is: Mix 1 ounce of 5% vinegar in 19 ounces of water.

Vinegar baths or compresses can be used at any age. Just make sure you rinse well with clear, clean water after a Vinegar bath, otherwise, excess itching and irritation may occur. 

For a Staph or Strep-related infection, (including MRSA) you can take a bleach bath or apply bleach compresses to the infection area to help kill the bacteria no more than 3 times a week. Bleach is cytotoxic (meaning it kills both bad and good bacteria. When you kill off the good bacteria, things like pseudomonas and yeast start to take over) Chlorohexdine is commonly used among those with EB, but it is also cytotoxic

Bleach Bath Formula for Adults and Children OVER the age of 1:

Mix 1 teaspoon bleach in 1 gallon of water.

For Children and Infants UNDER the age of 1, 

Mix 1/2 teaspoon bleach or less to 1 gallon of water.

No matter what age, make sure you rinse well with clear, clean water after a bleach bath, otherwise excessive itching and irritation may occur.

NEVER mix Vinegar and Bleach together in the same bath. A chemical reaction can occur and produce a toxic fume causing respiratory issues.  In addition, adding other agents such as soap, salt, or bubble bath can alter the PH levels of the bleach (or vinegar) solution making it less effective against the bacteria.  It's also important to mix the correct amount of water and bleach (or vinegar) together.  Too much water can dilute the bleach (or vinegar) making it less effective while too much bleach (or vinegar) can cause stinging upon contact with the open wounds

Unfortunately, infections tend to be a part of having EB. Prevention is the best thing, and to recognize an infection quickly so that prompt treatment can begin.

To learn how to prevent infections, hope over to my post on