Causes of eczema (atopic dermatitis)
There is more than one cause of eczema, and many triggers
While the exact causes of eczema (atopic dermatitis) are not fully understood, some key risk factors include genetics, immune system issues, stress, environmental factors, and hormones. Learning to recognize and manage your triggers can help reduce flare-ups and improve quality of life.1,2
How do genetics cause eczema?
Genes play a key role Scientists have found that eczema can run in families. When diagnosing eczema, a dermatologist will discuss your family history to better understand your risk factors. This is an important step in finding the right treatment for you.1
Scientists are researching the filaggrin gene Research shows the filaggrin gene affects eczema. Mutations in this gene weaken the skin barrier, so it’s unable to retain moisture and more vulnerable to irritants. This can lead to skin conditions like eczema.3
How does the immune system cause eczema?
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) involves a complicated interaction between the immune system and the neuronal system. The immune system works hard to protect the body from illness, viruses, bacteria, and disease. But sometimes, it can overreact and cause inflammation. Inflammation then activates sensory nerves in the skin that send itch signals to the brain.4,5
Learn more about the many methods for managing eczema and potential treatment options, including NEMLUVIO.
What is moderate-to-severe eczema?
Nearly 40% of adults with eczema (atopic dermatitis) have a moderate to severe case. This means symptoms like itch and rash tend to be more widespread and significantly impact quality of life.9
With moderate-to-severe eczema, certain "triggers” tend to make it even worse. Knowing your triggers can help you be proactive, treat early, and avoid flare‑ups.9,10
Not an actual patient.
Do you recognize the most common triggers of eczema flare-ups?
Smoke, pollen, and other airborne chemicals like industrial emissions or vehicle exhaust can all be harmful to the skin barrier.1,11
Certain cleaning or personal care products can also trigger eczema, including fragrances, laundry detergent, and soaps. It’s best to use fragrance-free products when possible and always test new products to avoid potential flare-ups.1,12
About 30% of people with eczema also have food allergies. A flare-up can start minutes, hours, or even days after consuming a trigger food. The top foods that can worsen eczema include milk, eggs, and peanuts.13
Eczema can make the skin extra sensitive to temperature. Going quickly from hot to cold may make the skin sore and itchy. Be cautious of overheating when use a space heater, enjoy sunshine, or sweat during exercise.12
Now that you know the most common triggers, you can begin to recognize which affect you the most. Keeping track of your triggers and discussing with a dermatologist is an important step in effectively treating your symptoms.9
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, stress can make eczema (atopic dermatitis) symptoms worse. It’s generally understood that chronic stress triggers inflammation and damages the skin barrier, making the skin more vulnerable. Eczema is also associated with depression and anxiety due to the relentless itching and poor sleep quality experienced by many people living with eczema.4,14
Other factors can cause eczema, such as hormonal changes during pregnancy. There is also some evidence that a skin infection called Staphylococcus aureus could play a role in causing eczema. People with eczema have higher levels of this bacteria on their skin compared to those without eczema.11,15
Most cases of eczema begin in childhood, but adults can also develop it. Eczema in adults is often caused by the same irritants and triggers as in children, and it's not known why an adult may suddenly develop eczema. As we age, the skin tends to get drier, which can weaken the skin barrier and may be a contributing factor.16
Curious how eczema is diagnosed?
Understand the typical process, and potential tests, used to diagnose eczema.
References: 1. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Atopic dermatitis. Accessed October 24, 2024. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis 2. National Eczema Association. Atopic dermatitis. Accessed October 29, 2024. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/atopic-dermatitis/ 3. Allergy Asthma Network. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) Statistics. Accessed 29 October 2024. https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/what-is-eczema/eczema-statistics 4. Mack MR, Kim BS. The itch–scratch cycle: A neuroimmune perspective. Trends Immunol. 2018 Dec;39(12):980-991. doi:10.1016/j.it.2018.10.001 5. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease. Atopic dermatitis: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take. Accessed October 24, 2024. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take 6. Galderma Laboratories, L.P.; data on file.