Find a Doctor Find a Doctor
Time to see a specialist? Time to see a specialist?
We found [COUNT] Specialists
who treat [INTEREST]
near [LOCATION]
We found [COUNT] Specialists
who treat [INTEREST]
near [LOCATION]
[TELEHEALTH] offer Telehealth options.
More
Finding Solutions for Eczema

This content is created by Healthgrades and brought to you by an advertising sponsor. More

This content is created or selected by the Healthgrades editorial team and is funded by an advertising sponsor. The content is subject to the Healthgrades medical review process for accuracy, balance and objectivity. The content is not edited or otherwise influenced by the advertisers appearing on this page except with the possible suggestion of the broad topic area. For more information, read the Healthgrades advertising policy.

8 Eczema Myths

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Sarah Handzel, BSN, RN on October 2, 2022
  • Young Caucasian woman scratching redness on arm from eczema or atopic dermatitis
    What is eczema?
    Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes an itchy, red rash on the skin. There is no cure for eczema, and many people experience flare-ups throughout their lives. Living with eczema can be challenging, especially since there are many myths about the condition that simply aren’t true. Putting some of these myths to bed is important for helping people with eczema overcome their disease, leading to happier, healthier lives.
  • crowd-of-city-people-walking-on-sidewalk
    Myth #1: Eczema isn’t common.
    Many people think eczema is an uncommon skin condition, but this simply isn’t so. In fact, as many as 30 million Americans have eczema. While doctors don’t know exactly what causes it, a personal or family health history of asthma, allergies, hay fever, or eczema increases your risk of developing the condition. Eczema also affects people of all races and nationalities—there is no one group of people who are more likely to have eczema than others.
  • outdoor-portrait-of-man-with-glasses
    Myth #2: Eczema only affects children.
    In most cases, eczema symptoms start to show up before the age of five. According to research, almost 60% of people with eczema experience symptoms by the time they are one year old, with a further 30% developing symptoms by age five. But even though eczema is much more common in childhood, teenagers and adults can also develop the condition. Some adults develop eczema even if they never had symptoms as children.
  • Doctor and patient conversation
    Myth #3: There is only one type of eczema.
    The term “eczema” is actually used to describe a group of conditions that affect the skin, causing redness, irritation, and itchiness. Eczema is classified into several groups, depending on the types of symptoms the condition causes and the reason symptoms begin in the first place. Doctors recognize different types of eczema, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and nummular eczema. The treatment you receive depends on the type of eczema you have.
  • female friends holding hands across table with coffee
    Myth #4: Eczema is contagious.
    This simply isn’t true. There is no evidence that touching someone who has eczema will cause you to develop eczema yourself. This myth is especially harmful, as it causes some people affected by eczema to be more socially isolated than others. As a result, people living with eczema are more likely to psychological symptoms, like depression. Keep in mind that, while the exact cause of eczema is unknown, there is no risk of catching eczema from another person.
  • washing-hands-with-soap
    Myth #5: Eczema is caused by poor hygiene.
    Some people believe eczema is related to poor personal hygiene, but this isn’t true either. Doctors haven’t identified the exact cause of eczema. Research suggests the condition is genetic, or inherited through families. Also, eczema may be triggered by certain environmental allergies or other irritants, like specific foods, animal dander, or cleaning products. Many people with eczema develop other conditions, such as food allergies, hay fever, and asthma, that are also related to allergens and irritants.
  • Your Opinion Matters!
    In order to improve our content, we want to hear from you. Please take this short anonymous survey to let us know how we’re doing.
    Take the survey!
  • woman-swimming-laps-in-indoor-pool
    Myth #6: If you have eczema, you can’t shower or swim.
    There is no evidence that daily showering, bathing, or swimming makes eczema worse. In fact, it’s important to maintain good skin hygiene if you have eczema, especially if itchiness causes you to scratch. Excessive scratching causes small tears in your skin, which can lead to bacterial infections. Gently washing your skin every day and using a moisturizer recommended by your doctor is a good way to help your skin stay as healthy as possible.
  • portrait of stressed woman
    Myth #7: Eczema isn’t serious.
    Eczema symptoms can range from mild to severe. The more severe your symptoms are, the more likely it is that you’ll experience other issues that make enjoying life difficult. No, eczema isn’t a life-threatening condition, but the skin rash that commonly appears can cause many unpleasant symptoms, like intense itch. Also, having eczema may make you more likely to develop other issues, like depression, especially if other people treat you differently because of your condition.
  • smiling dermatologist with patient
    Myth #8: There’s no hope for people with eczema.
    While there is no cure for eczema, we’re already discovered several treatments that effectively manage symptoms. Depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend moisturizers, medicated creams or ointments, or oral drugs that help fight inflammation. And new research efforts may lead to exciting new therapies, like a type of biological treatment called monoclonal antibody therapy, that may help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for people living with eczema.
Eczema Myths | Eczema
  1. Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273
  2. What is Eczema? National Eczema Association. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/
  3. Eczema in Children. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https://acaai.org/allergies/who-has-allergies/children-allergies/eczema
  4. What is eczema? American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/kids/skin/eczema/what-is-eczema
Was this helpful?
87
Last Review Date: 2022 Oct 2
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.