“I’m having a really widespread flare-up on my face today. It’s very new to me because I have only dealt with it on my hands.” Members of MyEczemaTeam have expressed frustration when their eczema symptoms increase. Some also worry that others assume their skin condition is contagious or will spread to others.

Fortunately, eczema doesn’t spread from one person to another. However, it can run in your family history. Still, just because one of your parents has eczema doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get your skin under control. Genetics are a part of skin disease, but they aren’t the only factor that contributes to it.

Additionally, with eczema — unlike skin problems such as poison ivy — touching an affected area of your skin doesn’t mean the disease can spread to your hands or another body part you scratch. Eczema can, however, develop in new places, especially during a flare. Here’s more information about what that means and how to stop your eczema from spreading.

How Does Eczema Spread?

People with eczema may notice it’s expanding or showing up in new places during a flare. “Flare has spread to my hands, and I woke myself up with scratching. Fingers are sore and swollen now, making it hard to get the day started,” shared a MyEczemaTeam member.

Eczema research has found that about half of people with eczema have worse symptoms now than when they were first diagnosed. Half also report more frequent flare-ups, and 64 percent say they have eczema in new or different places than when it first started.

Spreading happens because eczema affects the whole body from the inside out. Dermatologists believe eczema is the result of genetics and environmental factors that trigger eczema. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition related to an overactive immune response. It leads to dryness, itchiness, and other issues when untreated.

What Is Causing My Eczema To Spread?

Anything that triggers eczema can cause it to expand and affect larger areas or new places. “I hate the spread. I have found that stress can be a trigger. It’s a big trigger, too,” said a MyEczemaTeam member.

Another wrote, “Perhaps it is all the heat and humidity, but my eczema has spread over my whole scalp, behind my ears, and down the sides of my neck. I started using iron supplements two days ago, along with an ointment. I hope this will slow it down.”

If your eczema is spreading suddenly, think about any recent changes. Are you going through a particularly stressful time? Has the weather recently changed? Are you taking a new supplement or using a different skin care product?

One member said weather changes in either direction cause flare-ups: “My eczema flares up when it’s super hot. Then I’m sweaty and itchy. It also flares up in the cold, but I do moisturize.”

This information is valuable when speaking with your dermatologist. Eczema can be unpredictable, and triggers can change over time. Paying attention to how your body responds to your life circumstances and environment can help identify your triggers and better control your skin condition.

Could It Be a Different Skin Issue?

Just because you have eczema doesn’t mean that every skin problem is eczema-related. People with eczema can experience more than one skin condition affecting different body parts.

Young children and babies with eczema usually develop symptoms on their elbows, knees, and cheeks. The hands, feet, arms, and back of the knees are more common areas for older children, teens, and adults.

Maybe you’re wondering, “Can eczema spread to your genitals (or other less common areas)?” The answer is that it wouldn’t necessarily spread there, but it’s possible to have eczema on the genitals. If you notice eczema in new areas, make sure to talk to your health care provider. They can take a closer look to see if it’s eczema or something else that needs a different treatment approach.

Other skin conditions that can lead to itchy rashes or other skin symptoms (like crusting and oozing) may include:

• Autoimmune conditions, like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriasis
• Herpes
• Impetigo (bacterial infection)
• Insect bites
• Shingles or chickenpox

You shouldn’t always assume that skin issues in different areas of your body are always related to eczema. They could be a different problem that needs medical attention.

How Do You Stop Eczema From Spreading?

You can help prevent the spread or worsening of eczema by managing your triggers, moisturizing the skin, and using prescribed treatments to control inflammation.

Identify Your Triggers

Before you can manage your eczema triggers, you need to know what they are. Eczema is often related to allergies. An allergy test can help identify specific food allergies or allergens in the environment that could be affecting your skin. People with eczema have sensitive skin that can easily be irritated by fragrances in detergents, harsh soaps, or certain dyes and fabrics.

Manage Your Stress

Getting a handle on stress is also important for everyone, especially those with eczema. If you’re dealing with a lot of stress, a mental health provider can help you learn healthy coping strategies.

Follow a Gentle Skin Care Routine

People with eczema should follow a gentle skin care routine. In addition, doctors may recommend over-the-counter antihistamines to reduce allergy symptoms or prescription medication to suppress the immune system. These treatments help prevent eczema flares throughout the body.

Tell Your Dermatologist About New Eczema Patches

If you develop eczema symptoms in new patches of skin, you may need a new type of treatment. For example, eczema near delicate areas like the eyes requires different treatments than those for your arms or legs. Be sure to keep your dermatologist informed of any new symptoms. They can give you medical advice to help prevent eye or skin infections and other complications of eczema.

Find Your Team

On MyEczemaTeam, the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones, more than 53,000 people come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories about living with eczema.

Do your eczema flare-ups in one place lead to dry skin, blisters, or other eczema symptoms in different parts of the body? If so, what creams, lotions, or eczema treatments are most helpful for keeping the problem contained? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.