Yes, you can develop eczema as an adult. Although it’s more common to develop eczema as a child, 25% of adults with eczema developed their symptoms after childhood.
You’re more likely to develop eczema as an adult in your 50s.
It’s important to note that eczema doesn’t spread from person to person. And most of the time, eczema is not due to a food allergy.
Eczema is caused by a combination of factors, such as genetics, immune factors, and environment. These factors interplay and can change throughout your life.
Some people may develop eczema during pregnancy. In these cases, it can disappear after the birth. Stress is also known to worsen eczema symptoms, but does not cause eczema by itself.
People may find their eczema has periods of flares and periods when symptoms can be minimal. Tracking your symptoms can help you identify your triggers.
If you’ve recently started using a new product or wearing some new jewelry, you may develop a type of eczema known as contact dermatitis. You might also find you were once OK with certain irritants that now cause you a reaction.
If you develop eczema as an adult, you’ll want to avoid common irritants and keep your skin barrier hydrated and protected. A dermatologist can help diagnose your skin rash and what you can do to help ease your symptoms.