What are the Causes of Eczema?

Eczema also known as Atopic dermatitis is the inflammation of skin. Eczema can affect the people of any age group, right from the infant to an adult. It affects men and women equally. Eczema skin symptoms are characterized by red, dry and itchy skin. But what are the possible causes of eczema? The exact cause of eczema is not known, but an abnormal functioning of immune system is believed to be one of the causes of eczema.

Eczema is not contagious but is a genetic disease. It may be caused due to an interaction of multiple genes with environmental factors. There can be various different causes of eczema depending upon the type of eczema.

Possible Causes of Eczema

The possible causes of eczema include:

• Changes in weather
• Chemical irritants like detergents, harsh soaps, pesticides, shampoos, perfumes, alcohol and astringents
• Infections with viruses or bacteria
• Dry skin
• Rubbing the skin
• Cigarette smoke
• Stress
• Certain foods like eggs, wheat, milk, peanuts or soy products in the people having food allergy
• Physical irritants like clothes made of wool or other scratchy fabric
• Allergens like animal dander, dust mites, pollens or molds
• Hormonal changes, in women at the time of menstration [menstruation]

Causes of Atopic Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Atopic eczema is considered to a hereditary condition and it tends to run in families where the family members have asthma or hay fever. The people with atopic eczema have a very weak and sensitive immune system, which is most likely reacted by the allergens and irritants.

Atopic eczema is most likely to develop in a child, if either of his parents have a history of atopic eczema or any allergic condition. Eating certain foods or changes in temperature may also cause atopic eczema. Another cause of atopic eczema is the age of the mother at the time of childbirth. It is more common in a child whose mother gives in birth later in her childbearing years.

Causes of Contact Eczema (Contact Dermatitis)

Contact eczema is caused as a result of allergic reaction after touching certain things. This type of eczema can be caused when the skin comes in contact with irritants like:

• Harsh soaps
• Detergents
• Feathers
• Animal dander
• Cosmetics
• Metals like nickel
• Jewelry
• Plants
• Wool
• Fabric dyes
• Perfumes
• Rubber accelerators

Seborrhoeic eczema, nummular eczema, dishydrotic eczema, and varicose dermatitis are caused as a result of causes within the body. Infantile eczema is caused by allergies in certain foods like eggs, peanuts, fish, soy products, wheat and milk.

There is no cure for eczema. But there are many eczema treatment options that can reduce the symptoms of eczema. Avoiding exposure to the factors or the things that cause eczema is one such treatment option.