Is eczema a contagious condition?

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COI on May 5, 2023

Eczema is an umbrella term for inflammatory skin conditions, and it includes at least seven different types.

More than 31 million people in the United States live with some type of eczema. Common symptoms may include: 

• itchy skin 
• changes in skin texture and color
• rashes and blisters 
• scaly patches  

None of these eczema symptoms are transmissible from person to person.

This article will discuss the causes of eczema and times when eczema complications may spread to other people.

Can you pass eczema to other people? 

No. Eczema does not spread or pass to other people through close or physical contact. In other words, you cannot get eczema by touching the skin of someone who lives with the condition.

A condition is contagious or transmissible when close or direct contact or contact with shared items causes someone else to develop symptoms. No type of eczema is transmissible. 

Does eczema spread to other parts of the body if you scratch it?

Eczema does not spread to other parts of your body if you scratch or touch an active rash.

Scratching or rubbing your skin may, however, worsen your symptoms and make you more vulnerable to skin infections.

Some types of eczema, such as atopic dermatitis, may involve rashes in different parts of your body. You may also notice that the condition flares up at certain times and then gets better again. This cycle is not caused by touching or scratching your or someone else’s skin. 

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

Are skin infections in eczema contagious?

Skin infections are often caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. These can be transmitted or passed to another person by close or direct contact. 

Staph infections (caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus) are the most common infections among people with eczema. 

If you have eczema, your skin may be more vulnerable to developing skin infections.

To prevent skin infections in eczema, try to keep your skin clean and moisturized. Even though it may be difficult, it can also help to avoid scratching or rubbing the skin.

To reduce the chance of transmission or spreading to other parts of the body, avoid touching an infected eczema rash. If you do, wash your hands thoroughly.

What causes eczema? 

Researchers have not yet established the cause of eczema, but they suspect genetics and environmental factors are involved.

Each type of eczema may also have different causes or contributing factors: 

• Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. Causes include your immune system overreacting to internal and external irritants, causing your skin to become dry and itchy. 
• Contact dermatitis is caused by your skin touching an irritant or allergen, like poison ivy or detergents.
• Dyshidrotic eczema causes small, itchy blisters on the hands or feet. Triggers include systemic allergies or respiratory conditions, high humidity, or working with cement or metals. 
• Nummular eczema leads to oval, raised, and itchy spots on the skin. This type of eczema is more like to develop on very dry skin or after you have injured your skin. Mental and emotional stress, humidity, alcohol consumption, or bug bites may trigger the condition.
• Seborrheic dermatitis is associated with yeast overgrowth that triggers an allergic reaction. Hormonal changes, stress, compromised immunity, and temperature changes can be triggers.  
• Stasis dermatitis often develops in people that have poor blood flow. It commonly occurs near your ankles but can also appear on other parts of the body. 
• Neurodermatitis is linked to emotional stress, nerve injuries, tight clothing, and skin injuries.  

You may be more likely to develop eczema if a close relative lives with the condition or has asthma or allergies. Other common eczema triggers include:

• pollen, dust mites, animals, and certain types of foods 
• dry and cold air 
• the flu or common cold 
• irritants your skin comes into contact with 
• rough materials that your skin comes into contact with, like wood
• fragrances or dyes in soaps or lotions

Summary 

Eczema is not a contagious or transmissible condition. It cannot be spread to other people or other parts of your body through touch or physical contact.  

Skin with eczema may be more vulnerable to bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections. Some of these skin infections may be contagious.

Consider discussing tips to prevent skin infections with your dermatologist.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.