Mythbusting eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide – unfortunately, it is surrounded by numerous misconceptions that can lead to confusion and misinformation. This page aims to provide you with accurate information to dispel some common myths surrounding eczema.

Dispel common eczema myths

Ever felt confused navigating the information online? Click on the common myths below to explore some facts.

Myth:

Eczema will go away on its own >

Myth:

Eczema is just dry skin >

Myth:

Eczema is caused by stress >

Myth:

Eczema is contagious >

Myth:

Eczema is only a childhood condition >

Myth:

Eczema is a result of food allergies >

Myth:

Eczema can be cured >

Myth:

Eczema will go away on its own >

Myth:

Eczema is just dry skin >

Myth:

Eczema is caused by stress >

Myth:

Eczema is contagious >

Myth:

Eczema is only a childhood condition >

Myth:

Eczema is a result of food allergies >

Myth:

Eczema can be cured >

Same old eczema, brand new conversation

There are a range of resources across LetsTalkEczema to help you decide what your next step should be.

From learning about the impact on mental health to planning your next appointment, explore what actions you can take to help you on your eczema journey.

Learn more >

References

GADA. Global Report on Atopic Dermatitis 2022. Available from: https://www.eczemacouncil.org/assets/docs/global-report-on-atopic-dermatitis-2022.pdf. [Last Accessed August 2023].
NHS Inform. Atopic Eczema. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/atopic-eczema#:~:text=Eczema%20is%20a%20condition%20that,over%20time%2C%20especially%20in%20children. [Last Accessed August 2023].
Boguniewicz M and Leung DY. Atopic dermatitis: a disease of altered skin barrier and immune dysregulation. Immunol Rev. 2011 Jul;242(1):233–246.
The National Eczema Society, Eczema and its Management; A Guide for Healthcare Professionals, 2018
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-causes [Last Accessed August 2023]
Schopf TR, et al. The workload of web-based consultations with atopic eczema patients at home. BMC Res Notes. 2010 Mar;3:71.
Brown SJ. Atopic eczema. Clin Med (Lond). 2016 Feb;16(1):66–69.
Katta R and Schlichte M. Diet and dermatitis: Food Triggers. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 Mar;7(3):30–36.

References

GADA. Global Report on Atopic Dermatitis 2022. Available from: https://www.eczemacouncil.org [Last Accessed August 2023].
NHS Inform. Atopic Eczema. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot [Last Accessed August 2023].
Boguniewicz M and Leung DY. Atopic dermatitis: a disease of altered skin barrier and immune dysregulation. Immunol Rev. 2011 Jul;242(1):233–246.
The National Eczema Society, Eczema and its Management; A Guide for Healthcare Professionals, 2018
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-causes [Last Accessed August 2023]
Schopf TR, et al. The workload of web-based consultations with atopic eczema patients at home. BMC Res Notes. 2010 Mar;3:71.
Brown SJ. Atopic eczema. Clin Med (Lond). 2016 Feb;16(1):66–69.
Katta R and Schlichte M. Diet and dermatitis: Food Triggers. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 Mar;7(3):30–36.

Date of preparation: September 2023, UK-IMM-230187

This website has been funded and developed by Abbvie and is intended for UK audiences only.

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Date of preparation: September 2023, UK-IMM-230189.

Mythbusting eczema

Dispel common eczema myths

Same old eczema, brand new conversation

Fact: While eczema symptoms may improve or even disappear² for periods of time, it is a chronic condition that typically requires ongoing management. Without appropriate treatment and care, eczema can persist and flare up intermittently.

Fact: Eczema is more than just dry skin. It is a chronic inflammatory condition³ characterised by red, itchy, and sometimes oozing patches on the skin. It involves immune system dysregulation and affects the skin barrier function.

Fact: While stress can trigger eczema symptoms in some individuals⁴, it is not the primary cause of eczema⁵. Genetic factors, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers play a more signifcant role in its development.

Fact: Eczema is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person⁶. It is a chronic skin condition³ influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Fact: While eczema commonly appears in infancy or childhood, it can affect individuals of all ages⁷, including adults. Many people continue to experience eczema symptoms into adulthood.

Fact: Food allergies can trigger eczema flare-ups in some individuals, particularly in children.⁸ However, eczema is a complex condition influenced by various factors, and not all cases are related to food allergies.

Fact: Eczema is a chronic condition² with no known cure. In many cases, it can be managed through appropriate care and lifestyle adjustments, but it may persist intermittently throughout a person's life.

If you have Atopic Dermatitis, has this content helped you think about what, if any, support you need and how to access it?

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Mythbusting eczema

Dispel common eczema myths

Same old eczema, brand new conversation

Fact: While eczema symptoms may improve or even disappear2 for periods of time, it is a chronic condition that typically requires ongoing management. Without appropriate treatment and care, eczema can persist and flare up intermittently.

Fact: Eczema is more than just dry skin. It is a chronic inflammatory condition3 characterised by red, itchy, and sometimes oozing patches on the skin. It involves immune system dysregulation and affects the skin barrier function.

Fact: While stress can trigger eczema symptoms in some individuals4, it is not the primary cause of eczema5. Genetic factors, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers play a more signifcant role in its development.

Fact: Eczema is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person6. It is a chronic skin condition3 influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Fact: While eczema commonly appears in infancy or childhood, it can affect individuals of all ages7, including adults. Many people continue to experience eczema symptoms into adulthood.

Fact: Food allergies can trigger eczema flare-ups in some individuals, particularly in children.8 However, eczema is a complex condition influenced by various factors, and not all cases are related to food allergies.

Fact: Eczema is a chronic condition2 with no known cure. In many cases, it can be managed through appropriate care and lifestyle adjustments, but it may persist intermittently throughout a person's life.

Fact: While eczema symptoms may improve or even disappear² for periods of time, it is a chronic condition that typically requires ongoing management. Without appropriate treatment and care, eczema can persist and flare up intermittently.

Fact: Eczema is more than just dry skin. It is a chronic inflammatory condition³ characterised by red, itchy, and sometimes oozing patches on the skin. It involves immune system dysregulation and affects the skin barrier function.

Fact: While stress can trigger eczema symptoms in some individuals⁴, it is not the primary cause of eczema⁵. Genetic factors, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers play a more signifcant role in its development.

Fact: Eczema is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person⁶. It is a chronic skin condition³ influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Fact: While eczema commonly appears in infancy or childhood, it can affect individuals of all ages⁷, including adults. Many people continue to experience eczema symptoms into adulthood.

Fact: Food allergies can trigger eczema flare-ups in some individuals, particularly in children.⁸ However, eczema is a complex condition influenced by various factors, and not all cases are related to food allergies.

Fact: Eczema is a chronic condition² with no known cure. In many cases, it can be managed through appropriate care and lifestyle adjustments, but it may persist intermittently throughout a person's life.