10 common myths about eczema

Eczema is contagious
Plain and simple — it’s not! Do note that bad flare-ups can lead to infection, and infections can be contagious, but not eczema.

Stress causes eczema
Stress hormones can worsen inflammation and stress can trigger a condition such as eczema, but it cannot cause eczema.

Eczema can be cured
There is no “cure” that can completely get rid of eczema, however, there are treatments that can help reduce itchiness, inflammation, and flare-ups.

There is only one type of eczema
Eczema is actually a group of conditions that cause itching, redness, and dry skin. There are six types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and nummular eczema.

Eczema is a children’s disease
Though eczema is more prevalent with children, millions of adults also suffer from eczema. Symptoms can start at anytime. Some people may or may not outgrow eczema, but there is no way to tell for sure.

People with eczema can’t go swimming
Chlorine and salt water may irritate your skin if you have eczema, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go swimming. It is, however, important that you take necessary precautions before swimming. You should moisturize your skin before and after you go swimming, since it can dry your skin. Also back to myth #1 — no need to worry about contaminating others because eczema is not contagious! Do be careful if you have any open wounds.

Bad diet causes eczema
Specific foods may trigger your already existing eczema, but there is no science that proves that certain foods can directly cause eczema. If there are particular foods that make your flare-ups worse, you should try avoiding those foods.

Eczema is a seasonal condition
Different weather conditions can affect your eczema, causing it to be more or less itchy, but eczema is not affected by seasonality. Cold or hot temperatures may be triggers for eczema.

Psoriasis and eczema are the same
The two may look similar and have similar symptoms, but psoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin cells to build up quickly, resulting in itchy and/or painful patches on the skin.

Eczema is caused by dehydration
Eczema is based on internal chronic inflammation. Though it’s important to stay hydrated, drinking water will not cure eczema.