Eczema is not a contagious skin condition. However, some possible complications of eczema, such as infections, may be contagious.
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that may cause dry, itchy, and discolored skin. The National Eczema Association reports that it affects nearly 32 million people in the United States.
Many people think that eczema may be contagious.
However, eczema is not a transmittable disease. Even if you have an active rash, it cannot pass to someone else through physical contact like hugging, sneezing, or during sexual intercourse.
That said, certain complications of eczema, known as secondary infections, may be contagious.
Researchers also suggest that eczema is a
Keep reading to learn more about eczema complications that may be contagious and how to treat them.
Eczema
The weaking process may cause dry, itchy skin that can crack on its own or when you scratch it. A compromised skin barrier and itching can increase your risk of contracting an infection because the collective actions leave wounds on your skin.
The most common secondary infection associated with eczema is Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Your skin’s surface naturally contains S. aureus, so it’s easy for it to enter cracks in your skin.
Other common secondary infections may include:
- viral, such as the herpes simplex virus
- bacterial, such as impetigo, cellulitis, and other Staphylococcus strains
- fungal, such as Candida
If you have infected eczema, the secondary infection can pass to another person through close contact like shaking hands, hugging, and kissing. In rare cases, a herpes simplex virus may lead to a complication called eczema herpeticum, which is also contagious.
Symptoms of infected eczema may include:
- skin redness or other color changes that spread around the original rash
- blisters that ooze (weep), crack, or crust over
- pain
- severe itchiness
- clear or yellow discharge
It’s important to cover up weeping blisters or rashes and to speak with a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms of infection. They could help provide a proper treatment plan for you.
Learn more about how to identify, treat, and prevent infected eczema.
The exact cause of eczema isn’t known, but research from 2015 suggests that up to 75% of people with eczema have inherited the condition.
It’s important to note that inheritance is not transmission. Inheritance means genetic information from one or both of your parents is
Several genetic mutations that could affect the skin barrier or immune system are associated with eczema. In fact, so far, 62 genes have been associated with eczema, with filaggrin (FLG) being the most commonly studied.
Learn more about eczema and genetics.
Infected eczema isn’t always preventable, but there are several things you can do to greatly reduce your risk.
Preventing cracks in your skin or open wounds from developing are the best ways to avoid an infection. This may include regularly moisturizing and trying to resist the urge to scratch your skin, which is easier said than done.
Some ways to help prevent itch and dry skin may include:
- keeping your hands busy, such as doing yard work, art, or playing music
- regularly moisturizing your symptoms
- applying moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing
- taking oatmeal baths
- staying well hydrated
- applying compresses or wet wraps to affected areas
- following your eczema treatment plan
- avoiding possible triggers, such as using detergents with fragrances or wearing certain clothes
If you have any blisters, it’s important to keep them wrapped to avoid possible infections.
Learn more about how to prevent eczema flare-ups.
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition that may cause itchy and dry skin patches. It is not contagious, which means it cannot be transmitted from one person to another.
However, broken skin caused by an eczema rash is vulnerable to contagious infections.
If you have eczema, protect any open wounds or areas of cracked skin to reduce your risk of infection.