Eczema
Eczema is another name for any sort of inflammation of the skin (also known as dermatitis). Eczema results in red and inflamed skin that may be itchy or tender. Often eczema will result in small bumps or blisters also forming on the skin. Eczema describes a variety of inflammatory conditions, but the most common one (according to Medline) is called atopic dermatitis, which is a chronic condition with no readily identifiable cause. Atopic dermatitis typically begins in childhood and frequently infects infants, which can make it difficult to treat (because one of the aspects of treatment is to avoid scratching the itchy areas, which can be almost impossible for infants).
Genetics
Eczema is not contagious because it is a result of an abnormality within the body's immune system. Although what exactly causes the immune system to be so sensitive is not known, it is thought that there is a genetic component. Part of this is because atopic dermatitis is commonly found in people who also have asthma and hay fever. Because atopic dermatitis is related to genetics, it can be inherited from your parents. The National Eczema Association indicates that if you have one parent with atopic dermatitis, you have a one-in-four chance of developing the disease. If both parents have atopic dermatitis, your odds are slightly greater than one in two of having it yourself.
Contact Dermatitis
Although eczema cannot be spread from one person to the next, there are certain "triggers" than can be spread from one person to the other, especially in people who are susceptible to dermatitis. This is true in patients who are suffering from contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is triggered by some chemical compound irritating the skin, which leads to the eczema. Common triggers include shampoo, jewelry and even some types of food. As a result, although the immune problems that underlie eczema cannot be spread, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has one of these irritating substances on their skin could lead to contact dermatitis.
