Is Eczema Contagious?

Eczema, a condition causing red and scaly skin patches, is not contagious. It cannot be transmitted from person-to-person. Eczema is believed to be caused by a combination of genes and environmental triggers.

Eczema refers to a group of skin conditions that cause itchy, red, inflamed, scaly skin. 

There are seven types of eczema: 

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Nummular eczema
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Stasis dermatitis

15 Symptoms of eczema include: 

1. Intense skin itching 
2. The itching may be worse at night
3. Scratching may aggravate inflammation and itching
4. Oozing, bleeding, or crusting may occur on areas that are scratched open
5. Pustules, blisters, and red hot skin if secondary infection occurs
6. Thickened and darkened, or even scarred, skin can occur from repeated scratching
7. Patches of inflamed skin/skin swelling
8. Plugged hair follicles causing small bumps, usually on the face, upper arms, and thighs
9. Skin flaking 
10. Scaly, rough patches of skin
11. Dry skin
12. Sensitive skin
13. Skin discoloration (especially red or pink)
14. Increased skin creasing on the palms and/or an extra fold of skin under the eye
15. Darkening of the skin around the eyes

Eczema can appear on different parts and locations of the body, such as:

• The front of the arms and legs, cheeks, or scalp in infants
• Back of the neck, the elbow creases, and the backs of the knees in children and adults
• The face, trunk, wrists, and forearms

The exact cause of eczema is not fully understood but is believed that genetics play a strong role, and people with a family history of eczema are at increased risk of developing the condition. 

Common triggers for eczema symptoms may include:

• Cold or dry environments
• Sweating
• Emotional stress or anxiety
• Rapid temperature changes
• Exposure to certain chemicals or cleaning solutions, including soaps and detergents, perfumes and cosmetics, wool or synthetic fibers, dust, sand, and cigarette smoke

The diagnosis of eczema is generally based on a patient’s medical history, clinical symptoms, and a physical examination.

Eczema is a chronic condition that worsens (flares) periodically in between times of mild to no symptoms. Eczema cannot be cured but it may be managed with home care and medications. 

Home remedies to reduce or relieve symptoms of eczema include: 

• Identifying and eliminating triggers 
• Keeping the skin hydrated
• Emollients
  • Use thick creams (for example, Eucerin, Cetaphil, and Nutraderm) or ointments (such as petroleum jelly, Aquaphor, and Vaseline) that contain little to no water
  • Apply immediately after bathing for the best results
  • Apply twice daily or more frequently as needed
• Bathing
  • Lukewarm baths or showers can hydrate and cool the skin and may help relieve itching
  • Use unscented, mild soap or non-soap cleanser (such as Cetaphil) sparingly
  • Apply an emollient immediately after bathing or showering 
  • Avoid hot baths or showers, or those lasting more than 10 to 15 minutes because they can dry the skin
  • Dilute bleach baths may be recommended decrease the number of bacteria on the skin that can cause infections or worsen symptoms 
  • Use one-fourth to one-half cup of bleach in a full bathtub (about 40 gallons) of water and bathe 5 to 10 minutes twice weekly, followed by application of an emollient
• Wet dressings (wet wraps) may be used to help soothe and hydrate skin, reduce itching and redness, loosen crusted areas, and prevent skin injury due to scratching

Medications used to treat eczema include:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription topical steroid creams or ointments 
• Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription oral antihistamines for itching 
  • diphenhydramine (Benadryl), hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax) and cyproheptadine cause drowsiness and may be useful for patients whose itching keeps them up at night
  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Alavert, Claritin) cause less drowsiness
• Tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) and pimecrolimus cream (Elidel)
• Oral steroids (e.g., prednisone) may be used for short periods to treat severe flares
• Injectable “biologics” such as dupilumab (Dupixent) for adults with moderate to severe eczema that has not responded to other treatments
• Immunosuppressive drugs may be recommended for patients with severe eczema who do not improve with other treatments

Ultraviolet light therapy (phototherapy) is another treatment used to help control eczema. The treatment is reserved for patients with severe eczema who do not respond to other treatments because it is expensive and can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.