Fast answer
Eczema doesn't have one single cause. It usually develops because of a combination of genetics, a weakened skin barrier, an overactive immune response and environmental triggers. While you can't always prevent eczema, understanding what triggers your symptoms can help reduce flare ups and keep your skin more comfortable.
For a complete guide to eczema, visit our Eczema Hub. You can also explore our Eczema Collection for products developed to support dry, sensitive and eczema prone skin.
Introduction
One of the first questions people ask after being diagnosed with eczema is, "Why do I have it?"
Unfortunately, there isn't a single answer.
Eczema develops for different reasons in different people. Some inherit a tendency towards sensitive skin, while others notice that certain triggers repeatedly make their eczema worse.
Although you can't always change the underlying causes, understanding why eczema develops can help you reduce flare ups and build a skincare routine that better supports your skin.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects the skin's natural protective barrier.
When this barrier becomes weaker, the skin loses moisture more easily and becomes more vulnerable to irritation from everyday substances that healthy skin would normally tolerate.
This often results in dry, itchy and inflamed skin that may flare up from time to time.
Genetics play an important role
Eczema often runs in families.
If one or both parents have eczema, asthma or hay fever, children are more likely to develop eczema themselves.
This doesn't mean eczema is guaranteed to occur, but genetics can increase the likelihood that someone develops more sensitive skin.
A weakened skin barrier
One of the biggest factors in eczema is the skin barrier itself.
Healthy skin acts as a protective shield, helping to keep moisture in while preventing irritants, allergens and bacteria from entering.
When this barrier becomes weakened:
• Moisture escapes more easily.
• Skin becomes dry.
• Irritants penetrate more easily.
• Itching increases.
• Flare ups become more likely.
Supporting the skin barrier is one of the most important parts of long term eczema care.
Your immune system also plays a role
People with eczema often have an immune system that reacts more strongly to certain irritants and allergens.
This heightened response contributes to inflammation, redness and itching.
Although the immune system helps protect the body, it can sometimes overreact in people with eczema, making symptoms worse.
Common eczema triggers
While triggers don't actually cause eczema, they often trigger flare ups in people who already have the condition.
Every person's triggers are different, which is why keeping a simple diary can sometimes help identify patterns.
Does stress cause eczema?
Stress doesn't directly cause eczema.
However, many people notice that stressful periods coincide with worsening symptoms.
Stress may increase inflammation and can also lead to scratching, poor sleep and changes in daily routines, all of which can contribute to flare ups.
Learning healthy ways to manage stress may help some people reduce the frequency of their flare ups.
Can food cause eczema?
Food allergies can sometimes contribute to eczema in a small number of people, particularly young children with diagnosed allergies.
However, food is not the cause of eczema for most people.
Restrictive diets should only be considered after discussing them with a healthcare professional, as unnecessarily removing foods may lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Does the weather affect eczema?
Many people notice seasonal changes in their skin.
Cold weather, wind and low humidity often make eczema feel drier, while hot weather and sweating may also trigger irritation.
Using moisturiser consistently throughout the year helps support the skin barrier during changing weather conditions.
What we've learned from supporting people with eczema
Over the years we've spoken to hundreds of people living with eczema, and one thing becomes clear very quickly.
Most people don't have just one trigger.
Instead, flare ups usually occur when several factors happen together. A busy week at work, colder weather, a change in skincare routine and poor sleep can all combine to leave the skin feeling much more reactive.
Understanding your own pattern is often far more valuable than searching for a single cause.
Hear Shayna's Story
Everyone's eczema journey is different, and we're incredibly grateful to Shayna for choosing to share her experience.
In this short video, Shayna explains how learning to recognise her own eczema triggers helped her better understand her skin and build a skincare routine that worked for her. We hope her story offers reassurance and encouragement to others who are still trying to identify the factors behind their own flare-ups.
Click Shayna's photo below to watch her full testimonial on YouTube.
A heartfelt thank you to Shauna for allowing us to share her story. By opening up about her eczema journey, she's helping others realise they are not alone and giving hope and encouragement to people facing similar challenges every day.
Can you prevent eczema?
You can't always prevent eczema, particularly when genetics play an important role.
However, you may be able to reduce flare ups by:
• Moisturising consistently.
• Avoiding known triggers.
• Choosing gentle skincare products.
• Managing stress where possible.
• Avoiding scratching.
• Following treatment recommended by your healthcare professional.
Common mistakes
Many people accidentally make eczema more difficult to manage.
Who is this advice suitable for?
This information may help people experiencing:
• Mild to moderate eczema.
• Dry skin.
• Sensitive skin.
• Recurring flare ups.
• Newly diagnosed eczema.
When should you seek medical advice?
Speak with your GP, pharmacist or dermatologist if:
• Your eczema becomes severe.
• Your skin becomes painful or begins to ooze.
• Symptoms are spreading rapidly.
• You're unsure whether you have eczema.
• Eczema is affecting your sleep or daily life.
Common myths about eczema causes
Myth: Eczema is caused by poor hygiene.
Reality: Eczema is linked to genetics, the skin barrier and the immune system rather than cleanliness.
Myth: Eczema is contagious.
Reality: You cannot catch eczema from another person.
Myth: Food causes eczema in everyone.
Reality: Food allergies affect some people but are not the cause of eczema for most.
Myth: There's only one cause of eczema.
Reality: Eczema usually develops because of several factors working together.
Frequently asked questions
Is eczema inherited?
Genetics increase the likelihood of developing eczema, although not everyone with a family history will develop the condition.
What is the biggest cause of eczema?
There isn't one single cause. Genetics, the skin barrier, the immune system and environmental triggers all contribute.
Can stress trigger eczema?
Yes. Although stress doesn't cause eczema, many people find it makes flare ups more likely.
Does weather make eczema worse?
Both cold weather and hot weather can contribute to flare ups in some people.
Can eczema suddenly appear in adulthood?
Yes. Although eczema often begins during childhood, some people develop symptoms for the first time as adults.
Final thoughts
Understanding what causes eczema is the first step towards managing it more effectively.
Although genetics and the immune system cannot be changed, recognising your personal triggers, supporting your skin barrier and following a consistent skincare routine can help reduce flare ups and improve long term skin comfort.
If you're looking for products developed to support dry, sensitive and eczema prone skin, explore our Eczema Collection. You can also visit our Eczema Hub for more advice on eczema symptoms, treatments and long term skin care.
About The Author
Kieran Corley is the founder of Bragan Skincare, an Irish skincare company based in County Monaghan specialising in products for sensitive, eczema-prone, psoriasis-prone, and irritated skin.
Bragan Skincare began after Kieran noticed significant improvements in old scarring on his own skin while working with snails on his farm. That experience led to years of researching snail mucin, developing products, and working closely with people dealing with eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, scalp irritation, dryness, and reactive skin conditions.
Over the years, Kieran has spoken directly with hundreds of customers and families struggling with sensitive skin concerns, helping shape Bragan Skincare’s philosophy around gentle skincare, realistic expectations, and supporting the skin barrier without unnecessary irritation.
The articles on this website are based on product development experience, customer feedback, ongoing research, and years of working with people dealing with sensitive and easily irritated skin.
