Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Causes

The exact cause of atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is unknown.

Genetics
Research suggests that atopic dermatitis and other atopic diseases are genetically determined. This means that you are more likely to have atopic dermatitis, food allergies, asthma and/or hayfever if your parents or other family members have ever had atopic dermatitis.

These diseases may develop one after another over a period of years. This is called the "atopic march". Recognizing that a person with atopic dermatitis is at a higher risk of developing one of these diseases is important for parents, patients and healthcare providers. Knowing that a child with a slight wheeze has had a history of atopic dermatitis, for example, makes it easier to diagnose the subtle onset of asthma.

Lack Certain Proteins
Recent studies have shown that some patients with atopic dermatitis lack proteins that are important for a normal skin barrier. Allergens, irritants and bacterial toxins can penetrate the abnormal skin barrier and trigger an immune response.

This information has been approved by Mark Boguniewicz, MD (March 2009).