Is eczema transmittable
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Is Eczema Transmittable?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed skin. A common question that arises is whether eczema is transmittable from one person to another. This article synthesizes research findings to address this question.
Genetic and Environmental Factors in Eczema
Eczema is primarily caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Individuals with a family history of atopic conditions, such as asthma or hay fever, are more likely to develop eczema. Environmental triggers, including irritating substances and allergens, can exacerbate the condition .
Eczema and Infectious Complications
While eczema itself is not an infectious disease and cannot be transmitted from person to person, individuals with eczema are more susceptible to certain infections. For instance, eczema herpeticum is a severe viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in patients with atopic dermatitis. This condition can lead to widespread cutaneous infection, and HSV DNA has been detected on both hands and non-herpetic areas of patients, suggesting indirect transmission routes such as manual scratching or contaminated items .
Eczema Vaccinatum and Smallpox Vaccination
Eczema vaccinatum is a rare but serious complication of smallpox vaccination in individuals with eczema or atopic dermatitis. This condition occurs when the vaccinia virus disseminates, causing extensive rash and systemic illness. Although eczema vaccinatum is not a direct transmission of eczema, it highlights the increased risk of viral complications in individuals with eczema .
Eczema in Breastfed Infants
Eczema in breastfed infants can sometimes be linked to sensitization to foods in the mother's diet. Foreign proteins transmitted through breast milk may trigger eczema in infants, although this is not a form of person-to-person transmission but rather a dietary sensitivity .
Conclusion
In summary, eczema itself is not a transmittable condition. It is primarily caused by genetic and environmental factors. However, individuals with eczema are at higher risk for certain infections, such as eczema herpeticum and eczema vaccinatum, which can complicate the condition. Understanding these risks can help in managing and preventing complications associated with eczema.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Eczema vaccinatum.
Eczema vaccinatum (EV) is a potential smallpox vaccination complication in individuals with eczema/atopic dermatitis, causing extensive rash and systemic illness.
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Atopic eczema: burden of disease and individual suffering – results from a large EU study in adults
Atopic eczema affects 1-5 percent of adults in Europe, impairing quality of life and often goes unrecognized for its true impact on individual suffering.
Severe eczema vaccinatum in a household contact of a smallpox vaccinee.
This case highlights the need for careful screening before smallpox vaccination and awareness of potential severe adverse events related to vaccinia virus.
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