A suggested earlier, it is generally believed that one of the major causes of eczema is a hereditary predisposition to suffering from the condition.
However, there has to be some kind of trigger that causes a flare-up of the itchy red skin lesions that are characteristic of eczema. For example, a flare up of contact dermatitis might be brought on by something as seemingly innocent as wearing rough clothes such as those made from wool or other similarly rough fabrics.
In addition, tobacco smoke, bleach, harsh soaps, pet hair and chemical cosmetics can all trigger an eczema flare up, especially in youngsters who are susceptible to the condition.
Nevertheless, the main cause of most common forms of eczema are hereditary factors, one or both parents having been sufferers from allergic reactions such as asthma - a susceptibility that is somehow passed on to their children.