From the Guidelines
No, eczema is not contagious, and you cannot catch it from someone else through physical contact, sharing items, or any other form of exposure. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition caused by a combination of genetic factors, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers, as noted in the guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis 1. It appears as red, itchy, dry patches on the skin and can flare up periodically. The condition occurs when your skin barrier function is compromised, allowing moisture to escape and irritants to enter more easily. Common triggers include certain soaps, detergents, stress, weather changes, food allergies, and environmental allergens. While you might notice eczema running in families, this is due to inherited genetic tendencies rather than contagion, as discussed in the guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis 1.
Some key points to consider about eczema include:
- It is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and treatment
- It can be triggered by a variety of factors, including environmental allergens and stress
- Treatment typically involves moisturizing regularly, avoiding triggers, and using topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors for flare-ups, as recommended in the guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with topical therapies 1
- In some cases, oral medications or light therapy may be necessary for severe cases, as discussed in the guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis with phototherapy and systemic agents 1
- Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common condition that can be clinically indistinguishable from eczema and should be considered as an alternative diagnosis or concomitant condition, as noted in the guidelines for the prevention of disease flares and use of adjunctive therapies and approaches 1
If you have eczema, you can safely interact with others without worry of spreading the condition. However, it is essential to work with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan and to identify and avoid triggers that can exacerbate the condition.
From the Research
Eczema Contagiousness
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that eczema is contagious 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the treatment and management of eczema, including the use of topical corticosteroids, systemic treatments, and other therapies.
- None of the studies mention the contagiousness of eczema, suggesting that it is not a primary concern in the management of the condition.
Eczema Transmission
- The provided studies do not discuss the transmission of eczema from person to person 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The focus of the studies is on the treatment and management of eczema, rather than its transmission or contagiousness.
- As a result, there is no evidence to suggest that eczema can be transmitted through direct contact or other means.
Conclusion on Contagiousness
- Based on the provided studies, there is no evidence to suggest that eczema is contagious or can be transmitted from person to person 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the treatment and management of eczema, rather than its contagiousness or transmission.
- As a result, it can be inferred that eczema is not considered a contagious condition in the medical community.