Doctors don't know exactly what causes eczema. The most common type of eczema -- atopic dermatitis -- resembles an allergy. But the skin irritation, which is more often seen in children rather than adults, is not an allergic reaction. <\/p>\n
The current thinking is that eczema is caused by a combination of factors that include: <\/p>\n
Here's more detail on what's known about eczema causes: <\/p>\n
Eczema is not contagious. You or your children can't catch eczema by coming in contact with someone who has it. <\/p>\n
Eczema runs in families. That suggests a genetic role in eczema's development. A major risk factor is having relatives who have or had: <\/p>\n
Doctors also know that a large percentage of children with severe eczema will later develop asthma or other allergies. <\/p>\n
Mother's age at time of birth. It's isn't clear why, but children born to older women are more likely to develop eczema than children born to younger women. <\/p>\n
Role of environment. Children are more likely to develop eczema if they: <\/p>\n
Eczema is not an allergic reaction. Even so, a large number of children who have eczema also have food allergies. That doesn't mean that certain foods such as dairy, eggs, and nuts -- common food allergy triggers in children with eczema -- cause it or make it worse. Before removing particular foods from your child's diet, talk with your health care provider to be sure your child's nutritional needs will be met. <\/p>\n
A trigger is not something that causes eczema. But it can cause it to flare or make a flare worse. <\/p>\n
The most common triggers are substances that irritate the skin. For instance, in many people with eczema, wool or man-made fibers that come in contact with the skin can trigger a flare. <\/p>\n
Examples of other things that can irritate the skin include: <\/p>\n
Flares can also be triggered by certain conditions that have an effect on the immune system. For instance, things that can trigger or worsen a flare include: <\/p>\n
Stress has also been identified as a possible trigger. <\/p>\n
Actions and environments that cause the skin to dry out or become otherwise sensitive can trigger flares. Some examples include: <\/p>\n
SOURCES: <\/p>\n
MedicineNet.com: \"Eczema.\" <\/p>\n
KidsHealth.org: \"Eczema.\" <\/p>\n
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: \"What Is Atopic Dermatitis?\" <\/p>\n
American Academy of Dermatology: \"Atopic dermatitis: Who gets and causes.\" <\/p>\n
MedlinePlus: \"Atopic eczema.\" <\/p>\n
American Academy of Dermatology: \"What is Eczema?\" <\/p>\n
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\nEczema Causes and Risks: Genetics, Environment, and More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"