Is Eczema Contagious? What to Know

Is Eczema Contagious? What to Know
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Updated on November 1, 2024
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Many people wonder if eczema, a chronic condition that causes scaly patches of inflamed, itchy, dry skin, is contagious. Fortunately for those who have an active rash — they can't "give" eczema to someone else — not even if they share the same bed.

“Eczema is in no way contagious,” says Susan Massick, MD, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University in Columbus and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. “You will not pass it along to someone if they touch your skin, nor will you develop eczema by being in contact with someone who has eczema.”

But eczema can be passed between family members in another way. Eczema, which is also known as atopic dermatitis, has a genetic component. That means it can run in families, and you’re more likely to have eczema if a family member has it, too.

 Find out more from dermatologists about the genetic connection with eczema and other risk factors for developing this common skin condition.

Eczema Isn’t Contagious, but It Can Be Hereditary

While eczema can’t spread from skin-to-skin contact, children can inherit this condition from their parents. Certain gene mutations, specifically on the filaggrin (FLG) gene, make it more likely that you’ll develop eczema. But an FLG gene mutation doesn’t always mean you will develop eczema.

Environmental factors, such as allergens, may play a role in whether or not a person with an FLG mutation will develop this skin condition. Some people with the gene mutation won’t develop eczema if they’re not exposed to potential triggers.

“When there are mutations in this gene, the skin is less able to retain water and becomes more susceptible to allergens, irritants, and pollutants,” says Peter Lio, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and a National Eczema Association board member. “However, this does not explain the majority of eczema cases out there.”

That means that despite eczema’s genetic component, a person can develop eczema even if they don’t have a family history of the disease.

Other Potential Causes of Eczema

Beyond the genetic connection, researchers continue to explore the environmental, immune, and stress factors that can trigger a bout of eczema or make an active case worse. Dr. Lio says that eczema is not just a skin condition. It can involve several different body systems, such as the microbiome and respiratory issues. For example, people who have eczema will often also develop allergies and asthma.

“Eczema is multifactorial, where your genetics, your own immune system, and both external and internal triggers can initiate a flare,” says Dr. Massick.

Common eczema triggers include:

  • Dry skin
  • Contact with allergens, such as perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, wool, and certain metals
  • Temperature extremes
  • Stress, both physical and mental
  • Smoke or air pollutants

A board-certified dermatologist can help you manage and ease your eczema symptoms by recommending a skin-care routine that’s right for you, says Massick.

The Takeaway

  • Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is not contagious. That means you can’t catch or spread it through skin-to-skin contact.
  • Eczema has a genetic component, but not everyone with the FLG gene mutation will develop this chronic, dry and itchy skin condition.
  • Other than genetics, factors like stress, immune response, and environmental factors may trigger or worsen eczema symptoms.

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Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. Her professional interests include Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic and laser procedures, and immunodermatology.

She is a procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Dr. Bard has written numerous book chapters and articles for many prominent peer-reviewed journals, and authored the textbook The Laser Treatment of Vascular Lesions.

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Angela McPhillips

Angela McPhillips, DNP

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Angela McPhillips is a registered nurse and doctor of nursing practice with over 15 years of healthcare experience. She earned her nursing degrees from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). Her postgraduate and doctoral specialty is advanced population health nursing, specifically meeting the needs of medically complex children and students with disabilities in school and community settings.

Angela’s clinical background includes pediatric emergency nursing, school nursing, and child welfare nurse consulting. Angela’s academic career includes six years of teaching a variety of nursing courses at UIC. As a freelance health writer, she excels at writing simple, easy-to-understand information that helps patients and consumers navigate their healthcare journeys and make well-informed decisions.

A native Chicagoan and recent Florida transplant, Angela enjoys spending time in nature exploring the beaches of southwest Florida with her husband and two young children.

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Resources
  1. Kolb L et al. Atopic Dermatitis. StatPearls. August 2023.
  2. FLG Gene. MedlinePlus.
  3. Nelson S. Eczema Isn’t Contagious, but You Might Have Your Parents to Thank if You Have It. National Eczema Association. October 2022.
  4. Blakeway H et al. What Is the Evidence for Interactions Between Filaggrin Null Mutations and Environmental Exposures in the Aetiology of Atopic Dermatitis? A Systematic Review. British Journal of Dermatology. February 2020.
  5. The Atopic March: How Eczema Can Lead to Allergies and Asthma. National Eczema Association. September 2022.
  6. Eczema. Cleveland Clinic. October 2022.