What makes eczema spread

If a rash appears suddenly, spreads quickly, or shows signs of infection, see a doctor as soon as possible. Learn more about allergic rashes and reactions here. There are many potential causes for eczema flare-ups, including weather changes, irritants, allergens, and water.

Identifying triggers can help a person manage their eczema and reduce the symptoms. Dermatitis is a term that describes skin inflammation. Certain home remedies and creams can improve eczema rashes.

In this article…. Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a common skin condition. There is currently no cure for atopic dermatitis, but treatment can significantly improve a…. Many natural remedies can relieve the dry, itchy skin that eczema causes, including aloe vera, coconut oil, special baths, and essential oils. In this…. Treating severe eczema can be challenging, but certain intensive treatments can help reduce symptoms.

Learn about what doctors can do for severe…. What causes eczema to flare up? Eczema causes Irritants Water exposure Stress Dry air and heat Dry skin Hormones Microbes Sweat Allergies Speaking with a doctor Summary Various factors can contribute to an eczema flare-up, including allergens, stress, and cold weather.

What causes eczema? When to speak with a doctor. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Ten tips to prevent eczema flares in winter. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. How to treat atopic dermatitis Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a common skin condition.

This lag time can make some triggers challenging to detect. Eczema affects everyone differently. You might experience eczema symptoms at certain times of the year or on different areas of your body.

Learn more about how stress and eczema are related. Eczema Causes and Triggers. Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to a 'trigger' that is harmless to most people. Allergies to insect stings and bites range from milder allergic reactions to life-threatening, severe allergic reactions anaphylaxis.

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Skip to main content. Home Skin. Eczema atopic dermatitis. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. About eczema Causes of eczema Symptoms of eczema Managing eczema Treatments for eczema Emerging treatment Importance of eczema treatment Complications of eczema Where to get help.

About eczema Atopic dermatitis commonly known as eczema is an inherited, chronic inflammatory skin condition that usually appears in early childhood. Triggers of eczema Some things make eczema more likely to appear. These include: contact with irritants in the environment heat, which can aggravate the itch and make affected people more likely to scratch allergic reaction to particular foods — this is rare. Food allergy appears as redness and swelling around the lips within minutes of eating the offending food.

Symptoms of eczema The physical effects of eczema can include: skin dryness red and scaly areas on the front of the elbows and the back of the knees watery fluid weeping from affected skin itchiness lesions sores that may become infected by bacteria or viruses.

Managing eczema Most people with eczema find that their symptoms are made worse by common aspects of daily living, such as hot weather, frequent showering, soap, ducted central heating and overheating in bed at night.

Eczema coping tips — good hygiene Skin affected by eczema is more vulnerable to a range of infections, including impetigo, cold sores and warts. Suggestions for washing include: Take lukewarm baths or showers, and avoid really hot showers. Wash your body with warm water alone. For armpits and groin, use soap-free products, such as sorbolene cream. Bath oils can help to moisturise your skin while bathing. When towelling dry, pat rather than rub your skin.

Eczema coping tips — reducing skin irritation People with eczema have sensitive skin. Suggestions for reducing skin irritation include: Avoid overheating your skin. Wear several layers of clothing that you can remove, as required, instead of one heavy layer. Avoid scratchy materials, such as pure wool, polyester or acrylic. You could try a cotton and synthetic mix material — this is fine for some people with eczema.

Remove labels from clothing. Always wear protective gloves when using any type of chemical or detergent. You may want to wear cotton gloves inside rubber or PVC gloves. Avoid chlorinated pools. If you have to swim in a chlorinated pool, moisturise your skin well when you get out.

Eczema coping tips — beauty products Suggestions for using beauty products include: Remember that even hypoallergenic cosmetics can irritate your skin. Whenever possible, keep your face free of make-up. This secondary infection may be contagious.

Read on to learn more about the actual causes of eczema and how to reduce your risk of infection. There are many types of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common types. This genetic link might make it seem like eczema is contagious, as multiple members of the same family may have it. Allergic eczema can also be hereditary.

People with this type of eczema develop rashes after exposure to certain allergens, such as:. Keep in mind that you can develop new allergies, and in some cases, eczema, throughout your life. Contact dermatitis is another common form of eczema. It tends to affect people with sensitive skin. Flare-ups happen when you come into contact with an irritant. These irritants vary from person to person, but can include:.

The rashes that accompany eczema can leave your skin dry and cracked. In addition, eczema rashes are often itchy, causing you to scratch. All of this can leave small wounds in your skin that can become infected with:.

According to the National Eczema Foundation , staph infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus are most common. Start by trying to prevent any cracks in your skin or open wounds from developing.