It is unknown for certain what specifically causes eczema, but it is believed to result due to a combination of hereditary and environmental factors.Children are more likely to develop eczema if a parent has had it or another atopic disease. If both parents have an atopic disease, the chances increase further.The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) report that approximately half of children who develop atopic dermatitis go on to develop one of the other atopic diseases.
