Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry and itchy patches of skin. It is a common condition that is not contagious. Eczema can be triggered by irritants or allergens, and the first signs of eczema are itchiness, dry skin, and a rash. People with eczema are more likely to experience bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. Fungal skin infections are usually treated with antifungal medications, while eczema is treated with anti-inflammatory medications, steroid creams, and topical moisturizers and emollients to inhibit water loss from the skin.
There is no evidence that eczema is caused by a fungal infection. However, people with eczema may experience an allergic reaction to fungal material, which disappears when the fungal skin infection heals.
There are no specific ingredients or materials that cause eczema, but people with eczema need to be mindful of what they put on their skin to avoid triggering inflammation and flare-ups. Fragrances, essential oils, urea, lanolin, retinoids, cocamidopropyl betaine, propylene glycol, and ethanol are some skincare ingredients that people with eczema should avoid. Urea can be irritating and contribute to damaging the acid mantle of the skin in people with eczema, while propylene glycol can cause allergic reactions in some people.
In summary, eczema is a skin condition that causes dry and itchy patches of skin, and it is not caused by a fungal infection. People with eczema are more likely to experience bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. Fungal skin infections are treated with antifungal medications, while eczema is treated with anti-inflammatory medications, steroid creams, and topical moisturizers and emollients to inhibit water loss from the skin. People with eczema should avoid certain skincare ingredients to prevent inflammation and flare-ups.
