
Do you or any of your family have eczema? With around 20% of children having atopic dermatitis and 10% of adults, the chances are that someone close to you has the problem. If so, you might, at some point, have wondered “Is eczema hereditary?” particularly if you have it and you’re thinking of having kids.
In this blog, we take a look at whether there’s any link between family history and eczema or whether it’s purely environmental so that you’re fully equipped with everything you need to know.
Does Eczema Run in the Family?
Eczema often rears its head during childhood, but not always. In truth, it can develop at any age and the research shows that there is indeed a strong link between eczema and family history. The findings show that:
- 27% of children without atopic parents developed eczema
- 38% of children with one parent with eczema developed the condition
- 50% of children with two parents having atopic dermatitis developed eczema
So, can eczema be passed down genetically? Looking at the figures, it does seem to be the case, although other factors like allergies, stress and weather fluctuations can also play a big part in how severe it becomes.
Do Parents Pass Eczema to Children?
What the statistics above also show is that while there is a tendency for children with atopic parents to inherit eczema, it doesn’t always occur. Even when both parents have eczema, there’s still a 1 in 2 chance they won’t get it.
Is there a genetic link to eczema? Yes, but you can’t ignore early-life influences, such as diet, allergens, and even the gut microbiome, which may determine whether a child with a genetic predisposition actually goes on to develop eczema.
What Should Parents With Eczema Do?
If your child develops eczema, taking the right steps can help manage symptoms effectively. Consider the following:
- Use eczema-friendly clothing – New and improved HappySkin eczema clothing is designed to support your child’s healthy skin development, with its super-soft Tencel Cotton design and the unique Dreamskin Coating.
- Avoid harsh soaps and detergents – Opt for mild, fragrance-free options to prevent skin flare-ups.
- Identify and minimize triggers – Common irritants you should look for include allergens, heat, and rough fabrics.
- Keep your child’s nails short – This reduces the risk of infection from scratching, particularly at night.
- Support skin health through diet – A balanced diet that avoids dairy, wheat and other triggers supports a healthy gut microbiome and may help.
- Use Rejuvaskin recovery cream – Unlike regular emollients from your GP that often just manage the problem, Rejuvaskin recovery cream (approved by The Good Face Project and the National Eczema Association) not only moisturises but also supports skin structure and repair.
The great news is that even if your child does have to deal with atopic dermatitis during those early years, there’s a range of things you can do about it.
Buy NowIs There a Genetic Link to Eczema? Yes, There Is
So, in answer to the question “Is eczema hereditary?”, the answer is yes, however, having a family history of eczema doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. Even if your little ones do get atopic dermatitis, making the right choices in how you look after their eczema can help reduce flare-ups and restore healthier skin function.
If you’d like to know more about what HappySkin eczema clothing can do for your child, be sure to have a good look around our website where you’ll also find a ton of help and resources and more blogs like this one.