Eczema may be related to an overactive immune system. This means that in some people, the condition may be triggered by allergens.
Eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy and inflamed patches of skin. It often occurs in children, but it can also affect teens and adults.
The term “eczema” actually refers to a few different types of dermatitis. These include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
The causes of eczema aren’t fully understood.
Genetics likely play a role. Eczema is thought to be related to complications with the skin barrier. Plus, the condition may involve an overactive immune system. This means your immune system responds inappropriately when exposed to certain irritants.
Common triggers of eczema flare-ups include:
- synthetic fabrics
- chemicals, such as those in detergents
- temperature changes
- dry weather
- stress
- food allergies
- animal dander
Read on to learn about the link between eczema and allergies.
Yes, eczema and allergies are related. However, allergy plays a role in eczema only for some people. According to 2022 research, food allergies affect
In addition, more than 20% of adults with atopic dermatitis also have asthma and have a 2–4 times higher chance of also having allergic rhinitis and a food allergy.
While allergies and eczema are related, it’s important to understand that eczema isn’t due to a type of allergy.
The exact cause of eczema isn’t fully understood, but research from 2017 suggests that people with eczema may have a genetic mutation that results in a damaged skin barrier. Complications with the skin barrier can make your skin more sensitive to allergens, bacteria, and other irritants.
Eczema is also
Can seasonal allergies trigger eczema?
Although allergies don’t cause eczema, they
- food, such as cow’s milk, gluten, soy, nuts, fish, shellfish, and eggs
- pet dander
- dust mites
- grass, tree, or ragweed pollen (hay fever)
- mold
Other factors might cause a flare-up of eczema, too. These include:
- infections
- chemical irritants
- scratchy fabric
- stress
- dry skin
- extreme temperatures
Contact dermatitis (allergic eczema) can happen when a particular allergen touches your skin. The reaction often occurs 48–72 hours after contact with the allergen.
Examples of substances that
- antibacterial ointments, including neomycin
- metals, such as chromium and nickel
- poison ivy or poison oak
- preservatives, such as formaldehyde and sulfites
- tattoo ink and other dyes
- rubber products, such as latex
- harsh soaps or detergents
- fragrances
- sunscreens
Allergic eczema (contact dermatitis) is often treated with emollient creams or anti-inflammatory medications, such as steroids, that you apply directly to your skin (topically).
One of the best ways to get rid of allergic eczema is to avoid triggers such as harsh soaps, detergents, fragrances, and non-breathable fabrics like nylon.
If you have allergic eczema, you may want to use fragrance-free moisturizing ointments daily to keep your skin hydrated. In fact, according to the National Eczema Association, one of the most important ways you can treat mild atopic dermatitis is by moisturizing frequently with an ointment or cream to prevent dry skin.
For moderate to severe cases, a doctor can prescribe topical steroids, antihistamines, or even injectable medications that help keep your body’s immune system reaction at bay.
An injectable medication known as dupilumab (Dupixent), however, is recommended only for people with eczema that isn’t well-managed by topical medications.
Making changes to your diet to avoid triggers may also help.
If you or your child receives a diagnosis of eczema, it may be a good idea to also meet with an allergist. An allergist can help identify which foods, if any, to eliminate from your or your child’s diet.
How do I know if it’s eczema or allergies?
The symptoms of allergy might vary depending on the type of allergy you have. For example, food allergies can cause different symptoms than seasonal allergies. An allergy to something like pollen will manifest mostly as a runny nose or itchy eyes.
An allergic reaction to food will usually come on consistently and quickly after eating the food. Hives will show up as raised lumps anywhere on the body. On the other hand, eczema usually shows up randomly on larger sections of the skin, most commonly on the back of the knees and inside the elbows.
Anaphylaxis
A severe allergic reaction can result in anaphylaxis. This is potentially life threatening.
Symptoms can develop quickly and include:
- feeling faint or lightheaded
- difficulty breathing or wheezing
- rapid heartbeat
- confusion
- anxiety
- clammy skin
- collapsing or losing consciousness
- hives
- swelling
- stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
If you or someone nearby develops these symptoms, you should:
- Check to see whether they have an epinephrine pen. If they do, read and follow the instructions to dispense the medication.
- Dial 911 (or a local emergency number).
- Lay them down. If they have vomited, lay them on their side.
- Stay with them until emergency services arrive.
It is possible for someone to need more than one injection with an epinephrine pen. If symptoms do not begin to clear after 5 minutes, give a second injection if one is available.
What causes eczema to spread?
Factors that can cause eczema to flare include stress, diet, weather, hormones, and more.
What does an eczema flare-up feel like?
When you have an eczema flare-up, you are likely to experience an itchy rash that may be red or inflamed. It may be dry, but it may, in some cases, ooze fluid. The area often bleeds when scratched.
Eczema and allergies are related, but allergies don’t cause most types of eczema. For atopic dermatitis, allergens may be just one of the triggers, along with dry skin, irritants, infections, stress, and other factors.
People with eczema may have a damaged skin barrier, which makes their skin dry and more sensitive to allergens, bacteria, and irritants.
The best way to manage eczema is to moisturize your skin. If you have allergies, avoiding whatever it is that you’re allergic to could also help prevent eczema flare-ups.