FAQ: Is Eczema Genetic?

If eczema seems to “run in the family,” you’re not imagining it. Many people with eczema also have relatives who experience dry, sensitive skin, allergies, or asthma. Genetics can influence how strong your skin barrier is — but having a genetic tendency doesn’t mean your skin is destined to flare.

Let’s explore what the science says about eczema’s genetic side, and how much control you still have over keeping your skin calm and comfortable.

For a full overview of eczema causes and care, see Eczema Explained: Triggers, Symptoms & Treatments.

What Does It Mean When Eczema Is “Genetic”?

When eczema is described as genetic, it means certain inherited traits make the skin more likely to develop dryness, irritation, or inflammation. These traits affect the way your skin barrier functions — the layer that holds in moisture and keeps out irritants.

The most well-known link involves mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG). Filaggrin helps your skin form a strong, protective outer layer. If this gene doesn’t work as effectively, your skin can lose water more easily, leading to dryness and sensitivity.

But eczema isn’t caused by genes alone. Think of genetics as setting the stage, while environment, stress, and skincare habits decide how the “story” unfolds.

The Atopic Connection: Eczema, Asthma, and Allergies

Eczema often appears in families that also experience other atopic (allergy-related) conditions such as hay fever or asthma. This pattern is known as the “atopic march.”

It’s believed that an impaired skin barrier allows allergens to enter more easily, priming the immune system to react more strongly — not only in the skin but sometimes in the airways as well.

If a parent has eczema, asthma, or seasonal allergies, their child has a higher chance of developing eczema too. However, how and when it shows up can vary widely even within the same family.

Genetics Aren’t the Whole Story

Even if you inherit a predisposition, daily habits and environment make a big difference. Genetics set the baseline for skin sensitivity, but triggers — like cold weather, harsh soaps, stress, or certain fabrics — determine when symptoms flare.

That means eczema can often be managed effectively through consistent skincare and trigger awareness, even when genetics play a role.

A few key habits help strengthen a naturally delicate skin barrier:

• Moisturize at least twice daily with fragrance-free, ceramide-rich creams.
• Use gentle, non-foaming cleansers.
• Keep showers short and lukewarm.
• Protect skin from extreme cold or dryness with emollients and layers.

Barrier repair is where you have power, even if genes are part of the picture.

If Eczema Runs in Your Family

If your parents, siblings, or children also have eczema or similar conditions, it can be helpful to:

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, even though eczema can have genetic roots, treatment and prevention focus mainly on restoring and protecting the skin barrier — not changing your DNA.

The Bottom Line

Eczema often has a genetic component, but it’s not entirely predetermined. Your skin’s genes may make it more likely to react to dryness and irritants, yet daily skincare, stress management, and trigger awareness have a powerful impact.

Understanding your family history can guide smarter care — not define your skin’s future.

To explore how genes, triggers, and skin habits all connect, read Eczema Explained: Triggers, Symptoms & Treatments.

References:

• American Academy of Dermatology – What is Eczema?
• National Eczema Association – Causes of Eczema
• National Institutes of Health – Filaggrin Mutations and Atopic Dermatitis