Did you have eczema as a kid and now get hay fever as an adult? Does your child have red, itchy rashes while you or your partner have seasonal allergies or asthma? If so, it's no coincidence.

Studies show that if one or both parents have eczema, asthma, or seasonal allergies, their child is more likely to have eczema. What's more, children with the disease may be more at risk for getting allergies or asthma.


What Is Eczema and Who Gets It?

Eczema is the term for a few different skin conditions. But most of the time, it refers to a common skin disease called atopic dermatitis, which causes a dry, itchy, red rash. If you scratch it, it can start to ooze and crust over. Do it over a long period of time, and your skin can get thick and dark.


The Eczema-Allergy Connection


  • Dust mites
  • Pollen
  • Pet dander
  • Some foods

Children with eczema are also more likely to have food allergies, such as to eggs, nuts, or milk. They often make eczema symptoms worse for kids but not for adults.

Research on the Link

At one time scientists thought that all types of eczema were caused by allergies. Now we know that the connection is more complicated. Researchers are still uncovering new details about the causes of eczema that may lead to better treatments. Some recent areas of study include:


How the body reacts to allergens. Some research has found that people with eczema may have a defect in their skin barrier. Small gaps in the skin make it dry out quickly, and let germs and allergens into the body. When allergens enter the skin, they prompt the body to make chemicals that lead to redness and swelling, called inflammation. Research also points to a problem with a type of white blood cell that releases chemicals that help control allergic reactions in the body. This may help explain why people with eczema have outbreaks when they’re around allergens.

Too many antibodies. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a type of antibody that plays a role in the body's allergic response. People with eczema have higher-than-normal levels of it. Researchers are working to understand why people with the skin condition make too much IgE and what role this may play in the disease.

Avoid Allergy Triggers to Prevent Flare-Ups


  • Stay away from things that irritate your skin. Common ones include wool, soaps and detergents, perfume, chemicals, sand, and cigarette smoke.

WebMD Medical Reference


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