“Is eczema contagious?” is one of the most common questions asked about eczema. Most forms of eczema are caused by the individual’s immune system. Eczema occurs when the person’s immune system is hypersensitive. With atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, the immune system mistakes a harmless substance as a threat. The immune system reacts in a way similar to allergic reactions.

Since some kinds of eczema may spread on the effected person, it may appear to be contagious. But spreading on the effected person and spreading from one person to another are two separate things. So, is eczema contagious? The answer is no.

A person cannot acquire the rash or the tendency to get eczema from contact with someone with eczema. Eczema tends to be hereditary. The sensitivity of the immune system is often genetic. This is similar to how asthma and allergies tend to run in families. These conditions are based on immune system responses which is often genetically determined. Therefore, someone with eczema is likely to have relatives who have eczema, asthma, and allergies. So, the only way that someone can get eczema from someone else is by passing their genetic makeup onto the person like from parent to child.

The genetic hypersensitivity to substances is what is passed from parent to child. The children of someone with eczema may have a predisposition to develop hypersensitive immune conditions, not specifically eczema. A child of someone with eczema could develop asthma, eczema, or suffer from other allergic reactions. Genetics are not definite, direct transference of diseases from parent to child. Children from parents with eczema may not develop any of those conditions.

Eczema is a chronic, recurrent condition that people with eczema have throughout their lifetimes. There is no cure for eczema. Because eczema can worsen and spread on the person, an individual with an outbreak of eczema should consult a doctor. Some types of eczema respond well to corticosteroid cream or an immune modulator ointment like Elidel. Corticosteroid creams and immune modulator ointments cannot be used for extended periods of time. If eczema is persistent and not responding to treatment, the person should contact the doctor.

To help treat current outbreaks and prevent future outbreaks, a person with eczema should keep skin hydrated. This can be done by not letting the skin get dry. Applying moisturizers should be part of the daily routine for someone who is prone to developing eczema rashes. Things like harsh soaps and perfumed lotions should be avoided by someone with a tendency to have eczema rashes.