What causes eczema?
In many cases, the cause of eczema remains unknown. Sometimes an external trigger, such as an allergen (something you are allergic to) or an irritant (something which irritates the skin) can be identified, but there may be no obvious reason. Some people have a family tendency to develop eczema and it can start at any age in life, from infancy to old age.
Stress can aggravate eczema, and because coping with eczema can be stressful, this can set up a cycle that keeps the problem going.
You may feel frustrated to learn that there is no identifiable cause for your eczema. However, a lot can be done to make things better, so it is a good idea to put your energy into caring for your skin.
