The condition that causes the inflammation of the skin, also called epidermis or most commonly eczema can be caused by many things. There is no specific cause of this disease and its symptoms and characteristics may vary widely by individuals. More than 80 percent of the cases of eczema are believed to be genetic, meaning that they are passed from parents to their children the symptoms of these types of eczema are often detectable during infancy or childhood.Other common causes of eczema are allergies and irritants. When someone is allergic to an irritant and comes across it, the result is eczema, characterized by various skin inflammations, swelling, drying, itching and blistering among others. Other triggers of eczema include different types of soaps, cosmetic products, woolen clothes, pets, nuts, sweating, smoke, pollutants and food. Some medications and drugs too can cause eczema as a side effect but this often depends on the individual because the effects are not applicable to all people with eczema.