When eczema is misunderstood, it can cause someone with the condition to be self-conscious about their skin.
This article discusses what eczema is and reasons why someone might be diagnosed with it.
It explains how this skin condition can progress and ways of coping with eczema.
Kwarkot / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a relatively common chronic inflammatory condition affecting the skin.
The most common kind of eczema is atopic dermatitis.
Eczema causessymptomsof itchy, red, and scaly skin.
The intense itching can lead to further scratching,inflammation, and irritation.
Sometimes the skin might bleed or ooze clear fluid.
A Non-Contagious Disease
An inflammatory disorder like eczema is not because of an infection.
There are other kinds of eczema that are likewise not contagious.
Stigma of Eczema
Eczema is due to genetic and environmental factors.
How You Do Get Eczema?
The skin then responds to environmental exposures that cause inflammation.
Eczema can also be confused with other skin conditions that are not contagious.
For example,psoriasisis an inflammatory skin condition that also cannot be passed from person to person.
Another common example is the skin conditionpityriasis alba.
Some people also have specific cancers or genetic disorders that can cause similar skin symptoms.
So people with eczema do sometimes develop infectious complications, some of which might be contagious.
Youll need to see a health professional to evaluate what is going on.
It can interfere with work, sports, and other activities.
Your healthcare provider can answer additional questions.
Be sure to ask your provider about treatment options, complications from eczema, and other concerns.
Summary
Eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy, dry, red skin.
It’s not a contagious disease that you might spread or catch.
A correct diagnosis is important to ensure that your symptoms are due to eczema and not another cause.
A healthcare provider can evaluate and diagnose your condition, as well as offer treatment options.
National Eczema Association.Eczema isn’t Contagious But You Might Have Your Parents To Thank If You Have It.
Tuckman A.The Potential Psychological Impact of Skin Conditions.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb).
2017 Jan;7(Suppl 1):53-57. doi: 10.1007/s13555-016-0169-7.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Overview of Atopic Dermatitis.
National Library of Medicine.Allergic Contact Dermatitis.
National Eczema Association.Seborrheic Dermatitis.
National Eczema Association.Eczema Causes and Triggers.
2024 Feb 15;154(Pt C):199-207. doi:10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.04.005.
McLean WHI.Filaggrin failure - from ichthyosis vulgaris to atopic eczema and beyond.Br J Dermatol.
Rady Childrens Hospital San Diego.Eczema physical and emotional effects.
National Eczema Association.Eczema and Mental Health.
