Eczema is one of the most common chronic skin conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is eczema genetic?” you’re not alone. Many people who live with an eczema rash wonder whether it comes down to family history, environmental triggers, or other underlying health issues.
The truth is that the causes of eczema in both adults and children are complex, involving both genetic and environmental factors.
This article will delve into the nature of eczema, the potential role genetics may play, and other key factors that contribute to this condition.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes inflamed, itchy, and irritated skin. An eczema rash can vary in severity—sometimes appearing as red, dry patches and other times as cracked, oozing, or thickened skin. While eczema often begins in childhood, it can continue into adulthood or even start later in life.
There are multiple types of eczema, including:
Atopic dermatitis (the most common and often linked to genetics)
Contact dermatitis (triggered by irritants or allergens)
Hand eczema (frequently connected to occupational or environmental exposure)
Dyshidrotic eczema (small, itchy blisters on hands or feet)
Nummular eczema (coin-shaped patches of irritated skin)
Seborrheic dermatitis (flaky patches on scalp or face)
Stasis dermatitis (linked to poor circulation in the legs)
Understanding which type you have is an important first step in figuring out what can cause eczema for you personally.
Is Eczema Genetic?
Research indicates that genetics plays a significant role in the development of eczema, particularly atopic dermatitis, the most common form. People with a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever are more likely to develop the condition themselves. This is part of what doctors call the “atopic march,” a tendency for these related conditions to occur together.
One key genetic link involves the filaggrin gene. Filaggrin is a protein that helps form the skin’s protective barrier. When there’s a mutation in this gene, the skin barrier becomes weaker and allows moisture to escape more easily while letting irritants and allergens in. This makes the skin more prone to dryness, inflammation, and infection—all hallmarks of eczema.
So, is eczema genetic? In many cases, yes. A person who inherits this barrier weakness is more likely to develop eczema. However, not everyone with the mutation develops the condition, which means other causes of eczema in adults and children also play a role.
Environmental and Lifestyle Triggers
Even if genetics sets the stage, environmental factors often determine whether eczema develops, flares, or worsens. Some of the most common triggers include:
Allergens: Dust mites, pollen, mold, and pet dander can lead to eczema from allergies, where exposure triggers an immune response.
Irritants: Harsh soaps, detergents, fragrances, and even frequent hand washing can lead to flare-ups.
Climate: Cold, dry weather or sudden temperature changes can cause the skin to dry out.
Stress: Emotional stress doesn’t directly cause eczema, but it can trigger or exacerbate symptoms.
Diet: Certain foods, such as dairy, eggs, nuts, or wheat, may act as triggers for some individuals.
These influences explain why even people without a strong family history may develop eczema and why those with a genetic predisposition may experience flares at certain times but not others.
Hand Eczema Causes
One of the most frustrating and visible forms of eczema is hand eczema. This condition is often tied to environmental and occupational factors. People who frequently expose their hands to water, chemicals, or cleaning products—such as healthcare workers, hairdressers, and mechanics—are at higher risk.
Genetics can also play a role, as individuals with an inherited skin barrier defect are more likely to experience a reaction to these irritants. However, for most people, the causes of hand eczema are linked to repeated irritation and allergic triggers, rather than genetics alone.
Causes of Eczema in Adults vs. Children
While eczema often begins in childhood, many adults also live with it. Causes of eczema in adults may differ slightly from those in children. Adults often experience long-term skin barrier issues or immune system dysfunction, while environmental stressors, such as work conditions, climate, and lifestyle factors, play a significant role.
Children, on the other hand, are more likely to develop eczema due to genetics and allergies. For many, the condition improves with age, but for others, it persists into adulthood as a chronic, persistent skin condition.
Is There One Type of Eczema More Closely Related to Genetics?
Yes—atopic dermatitis has the strongest genetic link, particularly with filaggrin gene mutations and family history of atopic conditions like asthma and hay fever. Other types of eczema, such as contact dermatitis or hand eczema, are less genetically influenced and more often the result of environmental exposures.
This distinction is important for patients to understand. If you have atopic dermatitis, you may be more prone to lifelong flares due to your genetic makeup, but lifestyle changes and proper skin care can still greatly reduce symptoms. For other forms of eczema, reducing exposure to irritants and allergens is often the key to controlling the condition.
Genetics Are Only Part of the Story
So, is eczema genetic? The answer is both yes and no. Genetics—especially mutations in the filaggrin gene—create a strong predisposition, particularly for atopic dermatitis. But environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and immune responses play an equally important role in the development and severity of this chronic skin condition.
Understanding what can cause eczema, from allergens and irritants to family history, is the first step toward effective management. Whether you’re dealing with hand eczema, eczema caused by allergies, or wondering about the causes of eczema in adults, remember that effective treatment and prevention strategies are available.
With the right approach—including moisturization, trigger management, and professional dermatological care—eczema can be managed successfully, even if genetics play a role. Reach out to the team at Dermatology Partners today to help manage your eczema. Call us at (888) 818-DERM or book your appointment online.
