Is eczema contagious?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on March 06, 2025
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Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a particular type of eczema that overall falls under allergic diseases. It is related to individual allergic constitution, familial inheritance, and allergies to high-protein substances. This disease usually manifests in childhood and symptoms may decrease as one ages. Atopic dermatitis is not contagious; it cannot be spread through contact, sharing clothes, or living together. However, the treatment cycle for this condition is lengthy and challenging. It is crucial to seek proper treatment in the dermatology department of a reputable hospital. Allergy testing can be conducted followed by desensitization or medication treatment specific to the symptoms identified. After recovery, it is important to enhance physical exercise, strengthen immunity, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from staying up late.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
58sec home-news-image

Is eczema contagious?

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a particular type of eczema that overall falls under allergic diseases. It is related to individual allergic constitution, familial inheritance, and allergies to high-protein substances. This disease usually manifests in childhood and symptoms may decrease as one ages. Atopic dermatitis is not contagious; it cannot be spread through contact, sharing clothes, or living together. However, the treatment cycle for this condition is lengthy and challenging. It is crucial to seek proper treatment in the dermatology department of a reputable hospital. Allergy testing can be conducted followed by desensitization or medication treatment specific to the symptoms identified. After recovery, it is important to enhance physical exercise, strengthen immunity, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from staying up late.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What can be eaten with allergic dermatitis?

Allergic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease related to allergies. Therefore, patients with allergic dermatitis definitely need to pay attention to their diet: First, it is recommended to eat more foods rich in vitamins and protein, such as apples, pears, and lean meat. Moreover, it is advised not to drink alcohol or alcoholic beverages, as alcohol can stimulate the worsening of allergic symptoms and increase dermatitis reactions. Lastly, eating more fresh vegetables and fruits is beneficial.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What is eczematous dermatitis?

Eczematous dermatitis is a manifestation of dermatitis, with the main clinical manifestations being millet-sized papules, vesicopustules, or vesicles on the skin, accompanied by erythema that can merge into patchy areas. Frequent scratching can lead to exudation, erosion, secondary infection, and in severe cases, the formation of pustules and crusts. Eczematous dermatitis is a type of allergic skin disease. It is usually necessary to identify the specific allergens involved. One can visit a hospital to check for allergens and then undergo treatment with antihistamines as directed by a doctor. If there is significant exudation, topical treatment can include wet dressings with lactic acid, ichthammol solution, or boric acid solution. Treatment can also be supplemented with traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine combined, based on differential diagnosis.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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How to treat alcoholic dermatitis?

Alcohol allergy has caused dermatitis, presenting an allergic reaction with symptoms such as rash, generalized itching, and dizziness. Oral administration of loratadine or levocetirizine tablets can be used for anti-allergy treatment. If the rash is severe and covers a large area, an external application of calamine lotion can be used, which has anti-allergic and astringent effects. If oral medication is less effective, intravenous administration of calcium gluconate and high doses of vitamin C can be considered, along with the addition of dexamethasone for anti-allergy treatment, which generally provides relief. At the same time, it is necessary to avoid alcohol and try to eliminate it from the body, which can be facilitated by inducing vomiting or using laxatives to prevent reabsorption that could worsen the dermatitis or cause chronic issues. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Difference between allergic dermatitis and neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by episodic severe itching and lichenoid skin changes. Its causes may be related to various factors including neuropsychiatric factors, diet, local skin irritation, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and endocrine disorders. It commonly occurs in the neck, elbows, knees, sacrococcygeal region, perineum, and around the anus. The lesions are characterized by pinhead- or rice-grain-sized polygonal flat papules, which are pale red, pale brown, or normal skin colored, with a hard and glossy texture. They may be covered with a small amount of scale, and over time, the lesions can merge into large plaques, with the local skin becoming thickened and rough, showing lichenoid changes. Allergic dermatitis is an allergic reaction disease caused by contact with allergens. Its lesions are diverse, which can be erythema, papules, vesicles, swelling, and accompanied by itching. Therefore, localized allergic dermatitis due to improper treatment, lack of timely treatment, or repeated scratching, can develop into neurodermatitis.