Eczema occurs when the skin barrier does not work as well as it should. Moisture is easily lost from the skin, causing it to dry out. When this occurs, irritating substances can enter through gaps in dry and scaly skin and cause inflammation, which makes the skin red and itchy. Eczema is not contagious and so cannot be passed from one person to another. An allergic reaction to everyday substances or foods may also bring on the condition. There are a number of things that can make eczema worse, including shampoo, soap, wool, dry air, wind, animal fur and some foods. Additional risk factors for eczema include: being under 6 years of age; having a family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever (allergic rhinitis); living in urban areas or places with low humidity; sensitivity to latex; stress, particularly if it leads to scratching, and; use of immunosuppressant medications, such as cyclosporin and methotrexate. Learn more here.

Is eczema contagious?

Name: Is eczema contagious?
Uploaded: 2018-05-16 00:00:00.000000
Duration: 1 min 23 s
Description: Is eczema contagious?

No, eczema is not contagious and cannot be caught by coming into contact with someone with the condition.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is eczema?

Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is an allergic condition that causes your skin to become red, dry, itchy and scaly. In severe cases, your skin may also weep, bleed or crust over.

What causes eczema?

Eczema occurs when the skin barrier does not work as well as it should. Moisture is easily lost from the skin, causing it to dry out. When this occurs, irritating substances can enter through gaps in dry and scaly skin and cause inflammation, which makes the skin red …

What types of eczema are there?

There are a number of different types of eczema, including: Discoid eczema (nummular eczema) - coin-shaped areas of red, itchy eczema that appear mainly on the legs, buttocks and trunk for months at a time; Neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus) - …

What do the common types of eczema look like?

The two most common types of eczema are atopic and contact, also known as atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Atopic eczema is characterized by red, itchy, scaly skin areas that typically occur on the elbow or inside of the knees. It …

Is eczema hereditary?

Eczema runs in families, suggesting a hereditary component. The condition is also more likely to develop if family members also have an allergy such as asthma, hay fever or eczema. However, eczema can also occur without a family history of the condition.

What is the cure for eczema?

Unfortunately there is no cure for eczema, but symptoms can be managed by careful washing and moisturizing of the skin and using medications as prescribed by a doctor. Avoiding any known causes or triggers of eczema may also help to prevent eczema from flaring …

How is eczema treated?

There is no cure for eczema, so treatments aim to relieve symptoms by reducing inflammation and itchiness. Your doctor may suggest one or more of the following treatment options: 1) Self-care - taking a cool bath or applying cold, wet dressings to your eczema may …

What are complications of eczema?

Possible complications of eczema include: 1) Bacterial infection - when your skin becomes dry and cracked from eczema, the risk of infection passing into your body through broken skin is increased. 2) Viral infection - it is also possible for …

How dangerous is eczema?

While eczema can be itchy and annoying, it is not usually considered dangerous. However, repeated scratching of the skin can lead to infections, which can spread and become more severe if left untreated. For instance, the skin may become infected with the virus …

About this article

Author: Lauren Donley BSc (Hons)
First answered: 06 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 17 Oct 2018
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Votes: 1347 (Click smiley face below left to rate)
Category: Eczema

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