Eczema Causes

The exact cause of eczema is not known. Although it is activated by the immune system and is related to allergic reactions, it is not the same as other allergic reactions. People with eczema do have the IgE antibodies (immunoglobulin E) produced by the immune system as part of allergic reactions.

• Contact with the external trigger (allergen) causes the skin to become inflamed. The duration of the contact is not important. Eczema can develop on first contact (in days to weeks) or over time with repeated contact (in months to years).

• Common triggers of eczema include the following:
  • Soaps

  • Detergents

  • Weather (hot, cold, humid, or dry)

  • Environmental allergens

  • Jewelry

  • Creams

  • Food handling

  • Clothing

  • Sweating

  • Gloves

  • Rubbing

  • Bacteria

  • Emotional or mental stress

• Severe forms of eczema are caused by powerful allergic responses to external agents that cannot be eliminated from the environment.

• Risk factors for eczema include the following:
  • People with severe eczema usually also have hay fever and asthma.

  • Eczema is probably hereditary and often is found in other family members.

  • Eczema is not contagious.

• Risk factors for an eczema flare include the following:
  • Illness

  • Physical or mental stress

  • Exposure to skin irritants