Eczema disrupts normal daily activities and sleep,  family dynamics, and psychological well being. Severe eczema can lead to depression. Scratching may lead to persistent thickening of the skin with further itching. Discoloration of the skin (too light or too dark) is a frequent complication of eczema but is typically reversible once the eczema is fully controlled. Patients with eczema are prone to secondary infections with bacteria and viruses. Overgrowth of Staphylococcus bacteria has been shown to produce flares of eczema. In addition, patients with eczema are also prone to secondary viral infections with molluscum contagiosum and herpes simplex virus. Molluscum contagiosum has been known to flare eczema and spreads with scratching. Herpes simplex virus infection of eczema requires oral or intravenous systemic antiviral therapy. And in addition, some patients with eczema may develop allergic contact dermatitis  to topical creams, cosmetics, nickel, and even to topical steroids.