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Eczema does sometimes have a strong genetic influence if your family members, such as parents or siblings, suffer from eczema or atopic dermatitis, it is very likely that you will also have it, at least at some point in your life as well. Also if asthma or allergic rhinitis is present in family members or yourself, that is also a risk factor for developing eczema. Genetic predisposition can also play a role in how it is affected by the environment. Eczema usually occurs in those with an atopic tendency, meaning that patients may develop one or all three closely related conditions, such as hay fever, atopic dermatitis or asthma. Usually these conditions run within families and a parent, sibling or child may be infected as well. A family history of hay fever, asthma and eczema is also helpful in formulating a diagnosis and treatment plan, particularly in children.
