However, people who are susceptible to eczema only have one copy of this gene.Īlthough you only need only one copy of the gene to form a normal skin barrier, two copies are important for skin barrier repair. Normally, every cell in the skin has two copies of the filaggrin gene. Filaggrin is important for formation of the skin barrier. This is due to a mutation in the gene called filaggrin. Causes of eczemaĮczema is caused by a person’s inability to repair damage to the skin barrier. It is also important to avoid skin irritants, such as soap, hot water and synthetic fabrics.Ĭhildren with eczema have a higher risk of developing food allergies, asthma and hay fever later in childhood. Using moisturisers and cortisone-based ointments can help ease the symptoms. If your eczema becomes worse, disrupts sleep or becomes infected, see your doctor. Eczema is not contagious.Įczema can vary in severity and symptoms may flare up or subside from day to day.

Weeping is a sign that the dermatitis has become infected, usually with the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (‘golden staph’). Sometimes, tiny blisters containing clear fluid can form and the affected areas of skin can weep. Patches of skin become red, scaly and itchy. Atopic dermatitis (commonly known as eczema) is an inherited, chronic inflammatory skin condition that usually appears in early childhood.

Rash that get iritaed from touching it