Is Eczema Contagious and Other Common Eczema Questions

The term eczema covers a group of medical conditions that cause inflamed or irritated skin. There are several types of eczema, the most common being atopic. It is referred to as atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. The appearance can be of concern to those unfamiliar with it, and it may or may not itch.

What are the Symptoms of Eczema?

The primary symptom of eczema is dry, scaly skin. It most often appears on the arms and legs. Other common sites are the scalp, face, knees and feet. The scaly skin of the affected areas can appear red and turn brown. It can also ooze and crust.

Who Gets Eczema?

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, approximately 9 - 30% of people in the U.S. have atopic eczema, and its prevalence is growing. Anyone from an infant to an elderly person can have eczema.

How do you Get Eczema?

While the exact cause is unknown, eczema is generally believed to be the body's overactive immune system response to one or more triggers. Some triggers are allergies, emotional upsets, dry skin, sudden weather changes and upper respiratory infections.

Is Eczema Contagious?

Eczema is not contagious. It cannot be spread from person to person; however, it can be inherited. Inherited eczema is another common type of this skin condition.

How Eczema Treated?

While there is no cure for eczema, there are things that can be done to help alleviate symptoms and suffering:

As with any skin irritation, it is important not to scratch. Scratching can lead to infection.

Use gentle or mild soaps when bathing and for laundering clothes and bedding. Rinse laundry well.

Avoid hot water when bathing. Use water that is more warm than hot.

Avoid wearing tight clothes or clothing that will rub against the skin.

Avoid allergens. Try to reduce the amount of dust in your environment.

Avoid sudden temperature changes and over-heating.

Keep skin lubricated.

The use of medications such as 1% hydrocortisone cream, antihistamines and prescription creams all can help those suffering with eczema.

Caution: in 2006, two prescription medications were given special FDA warning labels on their packaging. The warning is for doctors who may prescribe them. It is due to a concern the medications may be associated with cancer risk. These medications are Protopic and Elidel.

Some people with eczema experience improvement in or even a complete disappearance of the condition. For many, though, it is something experienced over the course of a lifetime.

References:

Eczema. WebMD. Reviewed by Norman Levine, MD. February 7, 2009. http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/eczema

Eczema. University of Michigan Health System. Last reviewed August 11, 2008. http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/aha/aha_eczema_crs.htm