What causes eczema
Eczema comes from a combination of a weakened skin barrier and an overactive immune response. Many people with eczema have a genetic difference (such as in the filaggrin gene) that lets moisture escape and irritants and allergens get in. This is why eczema often runs in families and is linked to asthma and hay fever. The result is skin that is dry, sensitive, and prone to inflammation.
Common triggers
Flare-ups are often set off by everyday triggers: harsh soaps and detergents, dry or cold air, heat and sweat, rough fabrics like wool, stress, and certain allergens. Scratching makes it worse by damaging the skin further — this "itch-scratch cycle" is a hallmark of eczema and a key thing to break.
How to treat and manage eczema
The foundation of treatment is moisturizing. Apply a fragrance-free emollient or cream generously and often, especially within a few minutes of bathing to lock in moisture. Bathe in lukewarm (not hot) water with a soap-free cleanser. For active flare-ups, dermatologists commonly prescribe topical corticosteroids as first-line treatment, and topical calcineurin inhibitors (such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus) for sensitive areas like the face. Moderate-to-severe eczema that doesn't respond to creams may be treated with newer options, including biologic injections (such as dupilumab) or oral medications.
Identifying and avoiding your personal triggers is just as important as medication for keeping flares under control.
When to see a dermatologist
See a dermatologist if the itch is disrupting your sleep or daily life, if over-the-counter moisturizers and hydrocortisone aren't controlling it, if the skin looks infected (weeping, crusting, or painful), or if flare-ups keep returning. Effective treatments exist for even severe eczema.
FAQ
Is eczema curable?
There's no cure, but eczema can be very well controlled — many children outgrow it, and treatment keeps flares to a minimum.
What's the best moisturizer for eczema?
A thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment applied often; ointments and creams work better than thin lotions.
Is eczema contagious?
No — eczema cannot be spread from person to person.
Can stress cause eczema flare-ups?
Stress doesn't cause eczema, but it's a common trigger that can make flares worse.
