Is infantile eczema contagious?

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

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How to treat allergic eczema?

The treatment for allergic eczema primarily involves avoiding allergens and, under the guidance of a doctor, choosing oral medications such as antihistamines, vitamin C, or topical treatments like ointments or powders.

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Is eczema contagious?

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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Dermatology
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Eczema is divided into several types.

Eczema, based on common classifications, includes: 1. Eczema classified by the course of the disease can be divided into acute eczema, subacute eczema, and chronic eczema. 2. Classified by the location of the outbreak, it can be divided into eczema of the scalp, face, nipple, genital area, anal area, hands, and intertriginous eczema, among others. 3. Classified by age, it can be divided into adult eczema, infant eczema, etc. There are also some other classifications: 1. By the characteristics of the rash, it can be divided into erythematous eczema, papular eczema, vesicular eczema, pustular eczema, exudative erosive eczema, and crusty desquamative eczema. 2. By the nature of the cause, it can be divided into bacterial eczema (infectious eczematous dermatitis), fungal eczema, autosensitization eczema, seborrheic eczema (seborrheic dermatitis), dyshidrotic eczema, occupational eczema, atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis), among others.

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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.

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How to deal with anal eczema?

Anal eczema can be treated with oral medication and topical application. If there is a primary disease, it should be actively treated. Additionally, it is important to improve the living environment; consume less spicy and irritating food; exercise to enhance physical fitness; and keep the anal area clean and dry. It is advised to seek medical treatment promptly and avoid the misuse of topical medications.