Genetics plays a considerable role, and a number of mechanistically plausible genes have been linked to eczema risk.[1] Additionally, microbiome disruption is highly common in eczema, and with the vital role in immune regulation that the microbiome plays, this is plausible.[2] Other possible factors include smoking, maternal alcohol consumption and stress/anxiety, being born in winter, phthalate exposure, and hard water. The early-life use of antibiotics[3] and acetaminophen are also associated with eczema, though it's possible that this is due to a dysfunctional immune system leading both to the need for those medications as well as eczema.
What causes eczema?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Eczema is influenced by genetics, and several genes are associated with its risk; this condition is often associated with microbiome disruption, which affects immune regulation. Other contributing factors may include smoking, maternal alcohol consumption, stress, seasonal birth, exposure to phthalates and hard water, as well as early-life use of antibiotics and acetaminophen.