Can eczema be inherited?

Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

Updated on September 29, 2024

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Eczema does not have a genetic predisposition. Patients with atopic dermatitis likely experience rashes due to genetic factors, and their offspring may also inherit this propensity for allergies. However, different members within the same family can suffer from different allergic diseases.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

1min 7sec

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Is eczema contagious?

Infectious diseases are communicable diseases caused by the infection of pathogenic microorganisms or parasites, whereas eczema is an allergic reaction of the body itself and thus is not contagious. In daily life, whether it is through conversation, sharing utensils or bath items, or even direct contact with the rash of an affected individual, transmission does not occur, and family members of the patient do not need to take any protective measures. If you are around someone with eczema, there is no need for caution or discrimination, which is completely unnecessary. Some might worry whether scrotal eczema can be transmitted sexually. Sexually transmitted diseases are primarily transmitted through sexual contact or activities similar to sexual behaviors, while scrotal eczema is a common inflammatory reaction of the scrotal skin, triggered by a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction due to both internal and external factors, and it is not contagious. Therefore, scrotal eczema is not a sexually transmitted disease.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

47sec

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Symptoms of scrotal eczema

Scrotal eczema is a common type of eczema that is confined to the scrotal skin and can sometimes extend around the anus, and less commonly to the penis. Clinically, it often presents symptoms of chronic eczema: the scrotal skin becomes dry and thickened, with deeper wrinkles and a walnut-like appearance, often with thin crusts and scales, and darkened skin pigmentation, although there can also be pigment loss due to scratching. When exudation occurs, the scrotal skin can show erythema, edema, crusting, and fissuring. There is often intense itching, which can prevent sleep. Due to the difficulty of treatment and recurrent nature, the scrotal skin can undergo lichenification.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

57sec

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Do you need to avoid certain foods if you have eczema?

Eczema is considered an allergic disease, and the specific allergens can be difficult to determine as they vary from person to person. Generally, it is related to decreased immunity and may also be linked to genetic factors within the family. Frequently consuming spicy foods, staying up late, or living in a damp and unclean environment can all potentially trigger eczema. Once eczema occurs, it is essential to avoid spicy and irritating foods. Avoid contact with chili peppers, mutton, seafood, and alcohol. Proper treatment should be enforced to prevent it from becoming chronic eczema. During treatment, do not wash with hot water; use warm or cool water instead. Avoid going to public baths or swimming pools, and stay away from places with many plants or animals to reduce inhalation of pollen or dust mites.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

1min 3sec

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Is breast eczema contagious?

Breast eczema is simply eczema that occurs on the breast area and is also a type of allergic reaction. This disease is not contagious; it will not spread between people or increase in spread on one's own body. Once this disease occurs, it must be treated properly. Treatments may include oral and some anti-allergic medications, as well as localized red light therapy. It is advisable to visit a dermatology department in a regular hospital to check for allergens, see what triggers the allergies, and possibly cooperate with desensitization treatment. If the breast eczema has persistently poor results, it is recommended to consult a regular hospital again to see if there is a fungal infection in the affected area. If there repeatedly occur lesions, ulcers, and exudative discharges, a local pathological examination should be conducted to check for other pathological changes. After recovery, standardize dietary and living habits, strengthen exercise, and enhance immunity.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

13sec

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How to treat allergic eczema?

The treatment for allergic eczema primarily involves avoiding allergens and, under the guidance of a doctor, choosing oral medications such as antihistamines, vitamin C, or topical treatments like ointments or powders.