Eczema is generally known as an inflammation of the epidermis. The basic symptoms of oncoming Eczema are as follows: itching, redness, blistering, and bleeding, among others. If you have any of these symptoms, then you must see your doctor right away, so that you can be properly diagnosed. Eczema is not contagious. While their are irritants that cause Eczema to flare up, there are no specific causes for this disease. Although there is no clear cause for Eczema, it is widely believed that if either one of your parents or grandparents have had Eczema, then you have a very high possibility of having it too, almost 80%. While most cases of Eczema appear in the person while they are a child, people of all ages can contract this disease. There are many types of Eczema, and most irritants apply to each of them. Irritants can cause your Eczema to flare up and worsen. It is best to know what your allergies are, so that you can help to maintain your Eczema from flaring up. Some of the most common irritants are: the changes in seasonal weather, itchy clothing such as wool, different kinds of soaps, sweating, chilling, cold sores, pets, pollen, tobacco smoke, any other kind of infections that you may have, and extreme emotional stress. Even foods like dairy products, nuts, and food colouring can cause a sudden flare up. Though there are more than a few irritants, you must know that not all of them apply to you. That is why consulting your doctor, for the kinds of allergens and foods that affect you, is the wisest decision. It is believed by many that problems with the movement of your legs can be an early indication of Stasis dermatitis, a form of Varicose Eczema. Varicose veins can also lead to a form of Eczema. Ten percent of cases involving children are linked to Atopic Eczema. There are also a few medications that can cause Eczema, including Sodium Aurotiomalate, Solganal, and Myocrisin injection, among a few others. Those with severe cases of Eczema will most likely, in later life, develop asthma and hay fever. If you contact your doctor about these causes and irritants, then there is no reason this disease shouldn't be manageable. You must also know that you are not alone. More than 5% of people have contracted some variation of this disease. While Eczema may never fully go away, you can now learn how to deal with Eczema, and can go on to live a full and free life.