Is eczema caused by allergies?

Not really

Many people think that the cause of eczema is allergy and try to find the so-called allergens. In fact, the relationship between eczema and allergies is not particularly large. Although they may appear at the same time in some cases, they are two different skin problems.

Specifically, eczema (such as atopic dermatitis) is generally a chronic inflammatory skin disease, usually manifested by dry skin, erythema, itching and scaling. As for allergic reactions, they are usually caused by the immune system's overreaction to specific substances (such as food, pollen, dust mites, drugs, etc.), manifested by skin erythema, swelling, itching, etc., and even respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.

As for the cause of eczema, it is not caused by allergies alone, but the result of a combination of factors. In fact, the mechanism of eczema is complex and may involve genetic factors, environmental factors, immune system abnormalities, and skin barrier dysfunction.

In addition, some environmental factors, such as air pollution, temperature changes, humidity changes, and contact with irritants, may also induce or aggravate eczema symptoms. Eczema may even be related to non-allergic factors such as stress, sweat, and dry skin.

Therefore, it is inaccurate to simply attribute eczema to allergies. Understanding the multiple pathogenesis of eczema is essential for the correct understanding and management of the disease. If you have eczema, you should consider various factors under the guidance of a professional doctor and develop a personalized treatment and care plan to achieve the best treatment effect.

Author: Tang Jiaoqing, MD, attending physician of dermatology

Review | Feng Jun, deputy chief physician of the Dermatology Department of Sinopharm Tongmei General Hospital