Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a non-contagious, inflammatory skin condition that causes itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and skin infections. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which results from an overactive immune system that causes the skin barrier to become dry and itchy. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers know that people develop eczema because of an interaction between genes and environmental triggers. Many factors can contribute to eczema, including an interaction between your environment and your genes. Along with having a family history of eczema, many common household items are also potential environmental irritants and can cause allergic reactions leading to an eczema flare. Additional common triggers of eczema may include:

• Extended exposure to dry air, extreme heat or cold
• Some types of soap, shampoos that cause dander, bubble bath products, body wash, and facial cleansers
• Laundry detergents and fabric softeners with chemical additives
• Irritants such as soaps and detergents, including shampoo, washing-up liquid, and bubble bath
• Environmental factors or allergens such as cold and dry weather, dampness, and more specific things such as house dust mites, pet fur, pollen, and molds
• Food allergies such as allergies to cows milk, eggs, peanuts, soya, or wheat
• Certain materials worn next to the skin such as wool and synthetic fabrics
• Hormonal changes – women may find their symptoms get worse in the days before their period or during pregnancy
• Skin infections
• Stress, sweaty, or too hot or too cold

Identifying environmental triggers and avoiding them can reduce the risk of an eczema flare-up in the future. There are treatments available to help manage symptoms, but there is no cure for eczema.