Eczema, formally known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes patches of skin to become dry, itchy, and rough. This common condition affects millions of people, and its visible symptoms often lead to concern about transmission. This article clarifies the nature of eczema to explain why it cannot be passed on and how it develops.
Why Eczema Cannot Be Passed to Others
Eczema is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person through contact. Unlike infectious skin diseases such as ringworm or impetigo, which are caused by transmissible bacteria, viruses, or fungi, eczema is not an infection. The redness, inflammation, and dryness characteristic of a flare-up result from an overactive immune system and a compromised skin barrier function. Physical contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, or sharing a towel with someone experiencing a flare-up, poses no risk of transmission. The condition is a structural problem, not a communicable one.
The Role of Genetic Predisposition
The development of eczema is closely tied to an individual’s genetic makeup, establishing a strong hereditary component. It is classified as an inflammatory disease with a genetic cause, often running in families alongside other conditions like asthma or hay fever. If one parent has eczema, the risk of their child developing it increases, and the risk rises significantly higher if both parents are affected. A specific gene mutation in the Filaggrin (FLG) gene is a strongly identified genetic risk factor. Filaggrin is a protein essential for forming the skin’s protective outer layer; when this gene is defective, it results in a weakened barrier that allows moisture to escape and irritants to penetrate more easily.
Common Environmental Triggers
While eczema is not caused by the environment, external factors known as triggers can provoke symptoms in genetically predisposed individuals, leading to a flare-up. Substances that irritate the skin, such as harsh soaps, detergents, and chemicals, can break down the already fragile skin barrier. Exposure to specific allergens, including dust mites, pet dander, mold, and pollen, can also prompt a hyperactive immune response that causes inflammation. Certain weather patterns, like low humidity or very dry air, can strip the skin of moisture and increase discomfort. Emotional stress is another known trigger, as the body’s release of stress hormones can contribute to inflammation and barrier dysfunction, worsening the condition.