Is eczema contagious?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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
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What is eczema?

Eczema is a type of skin inflammation caused by multiple internal and external factors, characterized by various forms of rashes that usually have a significant tendency to exude fluid, hence the name "eczema." It usually comes with significant itching and is prone to recurrence, causing distress in patients' lives. Infant eczema is a common type of skin disease in babies and is a specific type of eczema. Commonly known as "milk cradle cap" in folk terminology, it is not a fungal disease but, like eczema, is an allergic reaction type of skin disease. Unlike other forms of eczema, however, infant eczema typically diminishes and often disappears as the child ages, with only a small fraction continuing into adulthood.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How to distinguish eczema from prickly heat

Eczema and heat rash have clear differences, including different causes. Eczema is primarily caused by allergens, as well as excessive mental stress, anxiety, and hormonal imbalances. Heat rash, on the other hand, usually arises from overly humid and hot environments that affect normal sweating function, leading to blocked sweat ducts. Their clinical manifestations also differ. Eczema typically presents as polymorphic and symmetrically distributed lesions, usually manifesting as papules and vesicular papules, and in severe cases, erosion, exudation, and significant itching are observed. Heat rash clinically appears as tiny, pin-sized blisters that emerge in clusters and merge into patches, typically found at skin folds without symmetry. White heat rash generally has less noticeable itching, whereas red heat rash is itchy and can also feel burning.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What medicine is used for eczema?

The causes of rash are complex, and there are differences in treatment for different individuals. Drug treatments are divided into systemic drug treatment and topical drug treatment. Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Can infants with eczema take baths?

Infant eczema is an allergic disease, and its skin can become secondarily infected, especially if cleanliness is not maintained, making it prone to bacterial infection. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to hygiene with eczema, and next, some anti-allergy medications should be used. If the body is very dirty, bathing is definitely possible. When bathing, it is important to ensure the water temperature is appropriate. If there are broken areas on the skin, it might be necessary to use boiled water, cooled to around 37 degrees Celsius, for bathing the baby, which is the best. Additionally, eczema can be treated topically with some ointments to promote its subsidence.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to care for baby eczema that has broken skin

Babies develop eczema due to localized dry skin, which results in itchy skin. The child may scratch the itchy area, possibly causing the eczema to break open. Once broken, it is prone to secondary bacterial infections. To address a secondary bacterial infection, first, disinfect the area locally, then apply an antibiotic ointment to the child, such as mupirocin or erythromycin ointment. After the lesion heals, actively maintain moisture in the skin. If necessary, under the guidance of a hospital doctor, use mild corticosteroid ointments. Generally, eczema can be well-controlled. Additionally, for children on formula, depending on the severity of the eczema, feed them amino acid-based formula or hydrolyzed protein formula. If the child is breastfed, the mother should be mindful of her diet and avoid consuming beef, lamb, nuts, seafood, and fermented rice wine. (Please consult a doctor before using any specific medications and do not self-medicate.)