Dermatologist Examining Eczema Patient — What Is Eczema Caused By, Common Triggers And Treatment In Turkey

Quick answer: Eczema is caused by a combination of genetic mutations (especially in the filaggrin gene), a weakened skin barrier, an overactive immune response, and environmental triggers such as allergens, harsh weather, stress, certain foods, and hormonal changes. Eczema is not contagious and has no single cause — most people have two or more triggers working together.

If you have ever scratched at a red, dry patch of skin and wondered what is eczema caused by, you are not alone. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) affects roughly 15% of children and 10% of adults worldwide, according to the National Eczema Association. In this 2026 guide, dermatology specialists at Revitalize in Turkey break down every proven cause, every trigger, and the modern treatments — including advanced dermatology care in Turkey — that finally bring relief.

Wichtigste Erkenntnisse

Eczema is caused by four core factors: genetics, a damaged skin barrier, immune system overactivity, and environmental triggers.

The strongest genetic link is a mutation in the filaggrin gene, found in up to 30% of moderate-to-severe eczema cases.

The most common triggers are allergens, stress, harsh soaps, sweat, dry climate, certain foods, and hormonal changes.

Eczema is chronic but manageable — there is no cure, yet 70–80% of patients achieve clear skin with the right plan.

Turkey is now a leading destination for affordable, dermatologist-led eczema treatment, including biologics, phototherapy, and personalized skincare protocols.

What Is Eczema? A Quick Medical Definition

Eczema is the everyday name for a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause dry, itchy, red, and irritated skin. The most common form — accounting for around 80% of cases — is atopic dermatitis.

In simple terms, eczema happens when the skin’s protective outer layer (the barrier) cannot hold moisture in or keep irritants out. The immune system then overreacts, causing the redness, swelling, and intense itch you see and feel.

Eczema is:

Chronic — it comes and goes in flare-ups.
Non-contagious — you cannot catch it from anyone.
Highly individual — triggers vary from person to person.

The 7 Main Types of Eczema (and How They Differ)

Type of Eczema	Main Cause	Where It Appears
Atopic dermatitis	Genetics + immune system	Face, elbows, knees
Contact dermatitis	Direct contact with an irritant or allergen	Hands, face, neck
Dyshidrotic eczema	Stress, sweat, metal allergies	Palms, soles, fingers
Nummular eczema	Dry skin, insect bites, injury	Arms, legs, torso (coin-shaped)
Seborrheic dermatitis	Yeast (Malassezia) overgrowth	Scalp, eyebrows, chest
Stasis dermatitis	Poor circulation in lower legs	Ankles, calves
Neurodermatitis	Repeated scratching	Neck, scalp, ankles

Identifying your specific type of eczema is the first step toward an effective treatment plan.

What Is Eczema Caused By? The 4 Core Causes

Modern dermatology agrees that eczema has no single cause. Instead, four interacting factors create the condition. Understanding each one helps you target your treatment precisely.

1. Genetic Factors — The Filaggrin Gene Mutation

Eczema runs in families. If one parent has eczema, asthma, or hay fever, a child has roughly a 50% chance of developing some form of allergic disease. If both parents have it, the risk climbs to 75–80%.

The strongest genetic link is a mutation in the FLG (filaggrin) gene. Filaggrin is the protein that helps build a strong, water-tight skin barrier. When it is missing or faulty:

Moisture escapes the skin (leading to dryness).
Allergens, bacteria, and irritants penetrate easily.
Inflammation is triggered repeatedly.

Up to 30% of people with moderate-to-severe eczema carry a filaggrin mutation. Other genes involved include CARD11, KIF3A, and several immune-regulating genes.

2. Skin Barrier Dysfunction

Even without a genetic mutation, the skin barrier can become damaged by:

Harsh soaps and detergents that strip natural lipids.
Over-washing or hot showers.
Low-humidity environments.
Frequent friction or scratching.

A weakened skin barrier loses water two to three times faster than healthy skin. This is why moisturizing — the foundation of any eczema treatment plan — works so well.

3. Immune System Overactivity

In people with eczema, the immune system mistakes harmless substances (like dust or pollen) for serious threats. It releases inflammatory chemicals — particularly interleukins IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31 — which cause:

Redness and swelling.
The intense itch-scratch cycle.
Long-term skin thickening if untreated.

This is why modern biologic drugs (dupilumab, tralokinumab) that block these specific interleukins are now a game-changer for severe eczema.

4. Environmental Triggers

Even with the perfect genes, eczema usually needs an environmental trigger to flare up. We will cover the top triggers in detail below.

Top 10 Eczema Triggers You Can Actually Control

Here are the most common environmental and lifestyle triggers, ranked by how often dermatologists see them cause flare-ups.

1. Allergens (Pollen, Pet Dander, Dust Mites)

Airborne allergens land on the skin and slip through a weakened barrier, triggering an immune response. Dust mites are the single most underestimated trigger — they live in mattresses, pillows, and soft furnishings.

2. Irritants in Everyday Products

Watch out for:

Fragranced soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergents.
Wool and synthetic fabrics.
Antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers.
Household cleaners (especially bleach).

3. Climate and Weather Changes

Cold, dry winter air is the #1 weather trigger. Summer heat and sweat are close behind, especially for people with dyshidrotic eczema.

4. Stress and Anxiety

A 2020 patient survey by the National Eczema Society found that 57% of women and 41% of men named stress as their #1 flare-up trigger. Stress raises cortisol, which weakens the immune system and worsens inflammation.

5. Certain Foods (Mainly in Children)

The most common food triggers are:

Cow’s milk.
Eggs.
Soy.
Wheat.
Peanuts and tree nuts.
Fish and shellfish.

Food triggers are rare in adults — only about 10% of adult eczema is food-related. Never cut out major food groups without medical advice.

6. Hormonal Changes

Up to 47% of women with eczema report worse symptoms in the week before menstruation. Pregnancy and menopause also commonly trigger flare-ups due to estrogen and progesterone shifts.

7. Sweat

Sweat traps salt and bacteria against the skin, causing the classic itchy “exercise rash.” Rinse and apply moisturizer within 10 minutes of finishing any workout.

8. Hot Showers and Long Baths

Anything above 39°C (102°F) strips the skin’s natural oils. Limit showers to 10 minutes and use lukewarm water.

9. Pollution and Smoke

Cigarette smoke (active or passive) and urban air pollution increase oxidative stress in the skin, doubling flare-up risk.

10. Infections

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria colonize eczema-prone skin and can cause sudden, severe flare-ups with weeping or crusting.

How Doctors Diagnose Your Specific Eczema Triggers

A board-certified dermatologist uses three main tools:

Patch testing — small amounts of common allergens are applied to the back; reactions are checked at 48 and 72 hours.
Skin prick testing — for immediate allergies (food, pollen, pets).
An eczema diary — you log flare-ups, weather, food, products, and stress for 4–6 weeks.

Combining the three reveals patterns no single test can. Patients who keep a diary identify their main trigger within an average of three weeks.

How to Treat Eczema in 2026: From Moisturizers to Biologics

Treatment follows a step-up ladder based on severity.

Step 1: Daily Skincare (For All Severity Levels)

Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer twice daily — within 3 minutes of bathing.
Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser.
Wash clothes in fragrance-free detergent.

Step 2: Topical Treatments (Mild–Moderate)

Topical corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, mometasone) for flare-ups.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for sensitive areas like the face.
PDE4 inhibitors (crisaborole) — a newer, steroid-free option.

Step 3: Advanced Therapies (Moderate–Severe)

Phototherapy (narrow-band UVB) — a clinic-based light treatment with an 80% response rate.
Biologic injections like dupilumab (Dupixent) and tralokinumab.
JAK inhibitors (upadacitinib, abrocitinib) — oral pills that calm the immune system.

Step 4: Lifestyle Foundations

A balanced anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s.
Daily stress management (yoga, meditation, sleep hygiene).
Identifying and avoiding personal triggers.

Eczema Treatment in Turkey: Why Patients Choose Revitalize in Turkey

Turkey has become a leading destination for affordable, world-class dermatology care. At Revitalize in Turkey, our network of board-certified dermatologists offers:

Comprehensive allergy and trigger testing in a single visit.
Latest biologic therapies (Dupixent, tralokinumab) at a fraction of European or US prices.
Personalized eczema treatment plans built around your genetics and lifestyle.
Mandarin Grove Recovery Retreat — a wellness setting in İzmir designed to reduce the stress that fuels eczema flare-ups.

Patients typically save 50–70% compared with private dermatology care in the UK, Germany, or the US, while accessing the exact same medications and protocols.

Want a tailored plan? Contact our team for a free online consultation with a Turkish dermatologist.

Common Myths About What Causes Eczema

Myth	Fact
Eczema is contagious	False — it cannot spread between people.
Eczema is caused by poor hygiene	False — over-washing actually makes it worse.
Only children get eczema	False — adult-onset eczema is rising sharply.
Eczema can be cured	False — but it is highly manageable with the right plan.
You should “let the skin breathe”	False — moisturizer is essential, not optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is eczema caused by in adults?

Adult eczema is most often caused by a combination of inherited genetics, a damaged skin barrier, and environmental triggers like stress, harsh skincare products, climate, and occupational irritants (such as soaps, chemicals, or frequent hand-washing).

Can eczema go away on its own?

In children, about 60% of eczema cases improve significantly by age 12, and many resolve completely by adulthood. In adults, eczema is usually a lifelong condition, but it can be controlled to the point of long, symptom-free periods.

What food is the biggest eczema trigger?

In children, cow’s milk and eggs are the top food triggers. In adults, food rarely causes eczema — but alcohol, sugar, and ultra-processed foods can worsen inflammation indirectly.

Is eczema linked to gut health?

Yes. Growing research links eczema to an imbalance in gut and skin microbiomes. Probiotics, prebiotic-rich foods, and a diverse plant-based diet may help reduce flare-ups.

Can stress really cause an eczema flare-up?

Yes — and the science is clear. Stress raises cortisol, weakens the skin barrier, and increases inflammatory cytokines. Stress reduction is now considered a core part of eczema treatment, not an optional extra.

How fast does eczema treatment in Turkey work?

Most patients see noticeable improvement within 2–4 weeks of starting a personalized plan. Severe cases on biologics typically see major clearing within 12–16 weeks.

Is eczema treatment in Turkey safe?

Yes. Turkey’s leading hospitals are JCI-accredited (the same international standard used in the US and UK), and dermatologists follow European Academy of Dermatology guidelines. Revitalize in Turkey works only with vetted, board-certified specialists.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Eczema Today

So, what is eczema caused by? The honest answer is that it is caused by a combination of genes you cannot change undtriggers you absolutely can. Understanding both halves of the equation is the difference between endless flare-ups and lasting relief.

The good news in 2026 is bigger than ever: between modern biologics, advanced phototherapy, microbiome research, and accessible dermatology care in Turkey, clear skin is realistic for the vast majority of patients.

If you are ready to stop guessing and start treating eczema at the root, our dermatology team at Revitalize in Turkey is here to help.

➡️ Book your free online dermatology consultation — and take the first step toward calmer, healthier skin.

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atopic dermatitis eczema causes eczema treatment Turkey Skin conditions Skin Conditions Tags: eczema