Is infantile eczema contagious?

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on September 18, 2024
00:00
00:00

Pediatric eczema is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin condition that typically presents during infancy and early childhood. Some children may continue to experience symptoms into childhood and even adulthood. It is characterized by skin damage but is not infectious; thus, pediatric eczema is not contagious, which should reassure parents. The causes of pediatric eczema are complex and relate to immune dysfunction or deficiency, and nutritional disorders. External factors also play a role, such as allergies to milk, fish, shrimp, or eggs, as well as mechanical irritation or improper care, all of which can lead to eczema. However, it is not contagious. Poor care can lead to local bacterial infections of the skin, which parents must be careful to avoid.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
15sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
18sec home-news-image

Can eczema be inherited?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
59sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
1min 10sec home-news-image

What to do if a child's eczema does not improve?

If childhood eczema is not improving, then it is crucial to actively search for the cause, rather than merely treating the symptoms. The care for childhood eczema mainly involves moisturizing and applying eczema ointment, but treating the primary cause is most important. The causes of eczema are varied, with common factors including genetics. If a child's parents have allergic rhinitis, eczema, or asthma, it suggests that the baby might have an allergic constitution, which can lead to recurrent episodes of eczema. Additionally, diet plays a role; consuming foods that are allergens can also trigger eczema flare-ups, especially foods containing proteins such as dairy products, eggs, and seafood products. Furthermore, contact with allergenic substances like animal dander and plant pollen can also induce eczema. Moreover, certain specific pathogens colonize on the surface of eczema-affected skin, leading to repeated outbreaks. These factors make the treatment of eczema less than ideal, so it is essential to understand the specific reasons behind the baby's eczema to tailor the treatment effectively.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
44sec home-news-image

Treatment of Vulvar Eczema

For the treatment of vulvar eczema, I believe the most important thing is to keep the vulva clean and dry. Regular cleaning of the vulva is necessary, and it should be kept as dry as possible. Additionally, try to avoid using sanitary pads as much as possible, because they can reduce breathability. Our clothing should also be as loose and breathable as possible, and avoid wearing synthetic underwear. Moreover, if there is itching and pain associated with vulvar eczema, topical corticosteroids can be applied to the vulva to relieve these symptoms and help heal the eczema. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)