Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is an inflammatory condition of the skin in which areas of skin become rough and inflamed. This typically results in tiny bumps that can leak clear fluid.
Eczema can affect people of any age and is frequently chronic. The condition tends to worsen and then improve at various times.
Eczema is a broad term that refers to many different forms of skin diseases.
Atopic dermatitis is what most people call eczema, as it is the most prevalent form of the condition.
One of the main concerns for those who have eczema is whether or not the disease can spread.
So, can eczema spread? Below you will get an overview of the latest information out there to help answer this question.
Can Eczema Spread?
Yes, eczema can spread throughout your body. However, if you are wondering if you can pass it to another person or if another person can pass it to you, then no, eczema is not contagious.
Eczema is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from one person to another. Even if you have an active rash, there is no way for you to transfer the condition to someone else. You are likely suffering from another skin condition if your doctor believes you have contracted eczema from another person.
Even though skin disorders like eczema are frequent, they are not communicable.
If you have asthma or allergies, you are more likely to develop skin issues like eczema.
Can Eczema Spread To Other Body Parts?
Though eczema is not contagious, it can, on the other hand, expand to numerous sections of the body. For example, infants’ most common places for eczema to spread are the face, cheeks, and chin.
For adults, the most common areas of spread are the neck, wrist, knees, and elbows. It is possible to make eczema worse by scratching the skin.
Eczema can appear practically anywhere on the body, including the face. Rashes can arise in a single location of the body or appear simultaneously in many areas of the body.
There are a variety of reasons why eczema can spread.
How Eczema Spreads
Eczema is characterized by itching, but scratching can cause the production of inflammatory chemicals, which can lead to further inflammation. As a result, rashes become larger or spread more widely.
The skin of people who have contact dermatitis becomes inflamed due to coming into close contact with an allergen or irritant on their skin. These substances or compounds have the potential to cause inflammation.
Cracked and dry skin can sometimes become colonized by bacteria that damage the skin’s health. These might aggravate the inflammation and infect the torn skin even worse.
Prevention Tips
The type of eczema a person has determines the best way to prevent the spread of the disease.
For example, if a person removes the source of irritation, contact dermatitis will be prevented from spreading. Eczema that has gotten infected may necessitate the application of a topical or oral antibiotic.
The most important thing people can do to keep their eczema from becoming more inflamed and itchy is to refrain from scratching. Taking care of flare-ups as soon as they occur can help to reduce the impulse to scratch.
Eczema can spread throughout your body in many ways depending on the type of eczema. It is important to contact your dermatologist for professional advice on how to best treat your eczema.
