Eczema is a common skin condition that causes red or discoloured, itchy patches of skin. It is a type of dermatitis that breaks your skin's barrier functions, which are responsible for helping it retain moisture and protect your body from outside elements. While it can affect people of any age, children are more at risk.According to the UK NHS, individuals with eczema should monitor any changes in their rashes, especially if accompanied by a high fever or generally feeling unwell, as this could suggest an infection. If they see any signs of infection, they should immediately seek medical advice, as it could escalate into severe conditions such as eczema herpeticum—a potentially dangerous complication caused by the herpes simplex virus that may require hospitalization.Here are a few signs which you can use to recognise this condition: Blistering that oozes, crusts over, or develops pus-filled spotsPainful, swollen, or warm rashesA sudden worsening or spreading of eczemaHigh fever or feeling generally unwellThe NHS advises individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek urgent medical care, either through a GP appointment or by contacting NHS 111.Hidden Risk Of Skin InfectionsEczema weakens the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. The National Eczema Society notes that most individuals with eczema will encounter some form of skin infection in their lifetime, all of which require medical treatment. Left unchecked, these infections do not improve on their own and can lead to further complications.Atopic eczema, the most common form of the condition, typically presents as itchy, dry, or scaly patches that may differ in color from the surrounding skin. In severe cases, these patches may blister or bleed, further increasing the risk of infection.Early detection and prompt treatment are essential in preventing complications. If you or your child has eczema, monitoring any changes in the skin—especially signs of infection—can help avoid serious health risks.What Causes Eczema?Eczema flares up when your skin comes into contact with substances that irritate it, such as smoke, small bugs in dust, or harsh chemicals. This overburdens your immune system. Some people may be prone to eczema due to genetic factors. It implies that individuals are born with certain genes that influence how well their skin protects them. When the skin's defence is weak, it can't retain moisture and protect against bacteria, allergens, and other environmental factors.Can Dead Sea Salt Help?While salts have been known to mitigate Eczema's effect, researchers have said that the Dead Sea in particular is effective in soothing eczema. As the name suggests, Dead Sea salt refers to salt and other mineral deposits collected from the Dead Sea. It is rich in nutrients because sea salt products are minimally processed and are made from evaporated seawater. Dead Sea salt, unlike regular table salt or Epsom salt, is rich with nutrients like magnesium, calcium, sulfur and zinc. The minerals in this water make it effective for skin conditions. A study in 2005 concluded that soaking in a bath with salt from the Dead Sea can improve your skin's barrier strength, compared with a tap-water soak. This study found that topical treatments with Dead Sea salt improved moisture in the skin. After the sea salt bath, the salt also reduced inflammation.