Causes of eczema (atopic dermatitis) and triggers for relapse

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a skin disease characterized by itchy, inflamed, and dry scaly skin. This skin disease is common, with the number of sufferers reaching 1-3% of the population worldwide. Although common, there are still many sufferers who don't know what causes eczema.

Apart from the causes, eczema sufferers also need to understand what factors trigger the recurrence of symptoms. The reason is, eczema often recurs with severe symptoms that can even interfere with daily life. By understanding the causes and triggers, you can reduce your risk of recurrence of this disease.

What causes eczema on the skin?

Eczema is a term that refers to atopic dermatitis. This disease is also known as dry eczema because the problem skin usually becomes very dry and peels.

Until now, the exact cause of eczema is still being investigated. Launching the National Eczema Association page, so far the cause of dry eczema is thought to be influenced by a combination of genetic factors and the immune system.

This is why eczema usually appears for the first time in the first 6 months of life and can continue into adulthood. Some of the symptoms of eczema in children can improve and even disappear completely, but some are actually getting worse over time.

The following factors are related to the causes of eczema.

1. Genetic mutation

Research from the University of Dundee in the UK shows that some people with eczema have mutations in the gene that produces filaggrin. Filaggrin is a type of protein that helps maintain a natural barrier in the top layer of skin.

Mutations are basically common in genes. However, mutations in the filaggrin-producing gene prevent the body from producing enough filaggrin. As a result, the skin barrier becomes weaker than it should be.

Water is also easier to evaporate out so that the skin loses its natural moisture. The weak protective layer also makes it easier for germs to enter the skin. This is why the skin of people with dermatitis is so dry and prone to infection.

2. A sensitive immune system

An overactive immune system is thought to have a certain role as a cause of eczema. This can be seen from the immune response of eczema sufferers who are generally very sensitive.

Their immune cells tend to overreact when they encounter substances that cause allergies or irritants, such as pollen, chemicals, or even ingredients in food. In fact, these substances actually do not harm the body.

When your body is exposed to these substances, the immune system will react immediately by releasing antibodies, histamine, and an inflammatory reaction. The inflammation causes an itchy, reddish rash on the skin that can cause damage over time.

Even so, the function of the immune system usually improves with age so that resistance to eczema is also getting better. This is why many children who have eczema begin to experience less symptoms once they reach adolescence into adulthood.

3. History of illness from parents

Eczema is more common in infants and children, but adults can experience it too. About 50% of adults who have eczema usually have had it in childhood.

Although not a direct cause, family history does play an important role in the appearance of eczema. The reason is, eczema is a skin disease that can be passed down in the family tree.

Apart from the result of genetic mutations in the first point, the inheritance of eczema to children can also be influenced by certain health problems that are also passed down. For example, your risk of developing eczema is greater if you have a family history of:

• eczema,
• allergy,
• asthma,
• allergic rhinitis, or
• other types of dermatitis.

If one parent has one of the conditions above, the child has a 50% chance of experiencing at least one of the conditions. This opportunity will increase if both parents have one of the conditions above.

However, the mechanism of passing genes that cause eczema from parent to child is still not clearly explained. Experts still need to carry out further research to identify what genes are involved in this.

Is eczema contagious?

The severity of eczema symptoms often raises concerns about the possibility of this disease being contagious. However, this assumption is actually wrong. Dermatitis, including eczema, is not a contagious skin disease.

Skin diseases caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can be transmitted if you are infected with the same germs from someone who is sick. Meanwhile, eczema is a disease caused by factors related to genetics and the immune system.

The only possible transmission is when the eczema is infected. You can be infected with the same germs, but the disease that appears is not eczema.

Factors causing eczema recurrence

The cause of eczema is still not known with certainty. However, the emergence of this type of dermatitis is related to genetic factors, family history of disease, and the function of the immune system of each person.

On the other hand, eczema itself is classified as a chronic skin disease that is recurring in nature. Eczema symptoms can come back from time to time when you are exposed to environmental triggers or anything else that can make the symptoms worse.

The risk factors for eczema recurrence can vary from person to person. Here are the triggers that cause eczema that you need to identify.

1. Dry skin

Dry skin conditions make you more prone to irritation, which can make eczema worse. So, try to keep your skin moisturized by regularly applying skin moisturizer, especially to areas prone to eczema.

Apart from keeping the skin moisturised, you also need to keep it clean to reduce the possibility of germs entering. However, keep in mind that overly hygienic skin conditions can also cause eczema to get worse.

2. Food

Food is not really the main cause of atopic dermatitis. However, some foods can worsen recurring symptoms of eczema, especially if you have a history of food allergies.

Explained by the American Academy of Dermatology, children who have eczema usually have an allergy to foods containing milk, shellfish, and nuts first. Eating these foods can make eczema symptoms worse.

However, children still need adequate nutritional intake during their growing period. So before you stop giving allergy-triggering foods, you should first consult your doctor about replacement foods.

3. Chemicals in household and personal care products

One of the most common causes of eczema recurrence is chemicals that irritate the skin. Many of the chemicals found in household and personal care products, such as soaps, detergents, and perfumes are harsh on the skin.

Certain types of synthetic fabrics or harsh, itchy materials such as wool can also irritate the skin and make eczema worse. As a result, it is easier for the skin to become dry, experience irritation, and feel itchy.

4. Sweating or overheating

Increased body temperature and sweating are also the most common triggers for eczema. Cool weather is best for eczema sufferers. Conversely, warm and humid conditions can become hotbeds of infection because bacteria live at higher temperatures.

5. Sudden change in temperature

Moving from a cold building to a hot outdoor area can cause the body to sweat and heat up, causing eczema to recur. The sudden drop in moisture can also dry out the skin which is a trigger for eczema.

6. Exposure to allergens and irritants

Skin irritation due to eczema can also be worsened by exposure to allergens or irritants such as dust, animal dander, and pollen. This condition can be more severe in eczema sufferers who have a sensitive immune system reaction.

Some other conditions that make eczema abstinence are:

• exposure to water for too long,
• shower too long,
• shower with water that is too hot
• room temperature is too cold, and
• the weather is too hot and dry.

Researchers do not yet fully understand what causes eczema. The causative factor is strongly thought to come from genetic conditions, family history, and immune system function.

Even if the cause is unknown, you can still control eczema symptoms by identifying the triggers. Don't forget to always maintain healthy skin and as much as possible avoid various triggers for symptom recurrence in the future.