Does Eczema Ever Go Away?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema), is a common inflammatory skin condition that can present as an itchy, dry rash. Eczema is not curable and won't go away on its own, but treatments are available that help alleviate symptoms.

In this article, learn more about how long eczema symptoms last, what triggers eczema flare-ups (times when symptoms worsen), treatment, and more.

Eczema Treatment

It may be frustrating to hear, but there is no simple cure for eczema. However, some treatments can help reduce and manage symptoms. These include lifestyle factors, such as taking lukewarm baths, applying ceramide moisturizers, tracking and avoiding your triggers, and using prescription medications or creams.

Some treatments for eczema include:

• Avoiding triggers
• Moisturizer
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antihistamines
• Topical steroids
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs)
• Oral steroids
• Antibiotics
• JAK (Janus kinase) inhibitors
• Phototherapy (light therapy)
• Wet wrap therapy

Other lifestyle, over-the-counter (OTC), complementary, and prescription treatments for eczema are available. Talk to your primary healthcare provider or dermatologist to determine the best eczema treatment for your symptoms.

Eczema Stages

There are three stages of eczema, determined by the length of time a rash and symptoms are present.

Chronic

The chronic stage of eczema is for the longest-lasting rashes, often lasting three or more months. Symptoms of chronic stage eczema include:

• Itchiness
• Cracking skin
• Discolored or dark skin
• Lichenification (thick, leathery areas of skin due to long-term scratching)
• Firm bumps

Acute

Acute stage eczema is a rash that just began or is restarting after a period of being calm. Some people with eczema refer to this as a flare-up. In this stage, the skin usually feels itchy before there is any visual evidence of the rash. Symptoms of acute stage eczema include:

• Extreme itchiness
• Red rash
• Bumps or vesicles (fluid-filled blisters)
• Skin oozing
• Pain and tenderness
• Swelling

Subacute

For other medical conditions, "subacute" usually refers to a phase that follows acute. However, some eczema rashes may begin at this stage and skip over the acute phase. Compared to acute, this stage is more known for flakiness and cracking skin. Symptoms of subacute stage eczema include:

• Dry, cracking, and scaly skin
• Flakiness
• Less extreme itchiness
• Red rash
  
• Burning and stinging

What Triggers Eczema Flare-Ups?

Eczema is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with asthma, hay fever, or food allergies are more likely to have eczema.

Common eczema triggers include:

• Stress
• Certain metals
• Cigarette smoke
• Environmental allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander)
• Extreme hot, cold, or dry weather
• High altitude
• Hot water
• Chlorine
• Certain chemicals (such as bacitracin, formaldehyde, epoxy resin, fragrance, lanolin, urea, parabens, and more)
• Latex
• Polyester or wool
• Colds, flu, or viruses, including COVID-19

Everyone is unique, so you will likely benefit from journaling or tracking your symptoms. Some triggers may be obvious, but others may surprise you when you take the time to track them. Remember that there may be a time delay between exposure to a trigger and experiencing a flare-up.

Preventing Flare-Ups

Identifying your triggers helps you control certain factors and lessen your chances of a flare-up. For example, you might choose fragrance-free cosmetics, visit a destination whose climate suits your condition, take fewer baths, or buy clothes made from less-irritating fabrics.

Of course, you can't control every facet of your environment. Try to be patient and forgiving with yourself, and take the approach of minimizing your exposure to triggers rather than avoiding them altogether.

It's also helpful to stick to a moisturizing and skin care regimen and follow all prescription (oral and topical) medication regimens prescribed by your healthcare provider. Avoid itching, and wear nighttime gloves if needed.

Summary

Eczema is a common, inflammatory skin condition that can cause very itchy and painful rashes. There is no cure for eczema, but treatments can help manage flares and prevent their recurrence. If you have symptoms of eczema or a flare that just won't budge, talk to your healthcare provider about diagnosis and treatment.

A Word From Verywell

The honest answer to how long an eczema flare lasts is a frustrating one: It depends. However, knowing your eczema triggers and how your body responds to various treatments can help you manage expectations. Remember that eczema does not go away on its own, so the sooner it's treated, the sooner a flare and its symptoms resolve.