Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
What causes eczema: weak skin barrier, overactive immunity and triggers. It is not contagious.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a long-term skin condition. It is not contagious and it is not caused by dirt, poor hygiene or something the person did wrong. It comes from a mix of a weak skin barrier, an overactive immune response, and triggers in the environment.
What is going on in the skin
Common triggers
Who is more likely to get it
People with a family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever (the "atopic" family). It often starts in infancy, and many children grow out of the worst of it, while some continue into adulthood.
A classical note. Ayurveda places eczema-like conditions such as vicharchika among the kushtha group of skin diseases, and relates them to dosha imbalance and food and lifestyle factors. This is an interpretive framework for understanding the condition, not a replacement for skin care.
Knowing your own triggers is the first step to fewer flare-ups.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem
Explore more articles about this topic
Ayurvedic view of eczema as kushtha, and cautions on herbal creams and hidden steroids.
Skin infection, eczema herpeticum, thickened skin, sleep and mood effects, and when to see a doctor.
Diet rarely causes eczema. What evidence says on elimination diets, infant food allergy and balanced eating.
Home care for eczema: liberal moisturising, lukewarm baths, cotton clothes, and kitchen remedies to be careful with.
Treat eczema in steps: moisturise, treat flares early, break the itch cycle, find triggers, treat infection.
Emollients, safe use of steroid creams, steroid-free creams, severe-disease options, and cautions on herbal creams.
