How long does eczema flare up last

Although many outbreaks of atopic dermatitis will subside on their own, others will require medical intervention. There are some prescription medications and ointments that can be used to treat flare-ups that last for a longer time. If you need help managing your eczema symptoms, contact Fargo Dermatology today to schedule a consultation. Sign up for our Newsletter! You can cancel subscription anytime.

Send Form. What makes eczema worsen or flare-up? Dry Skin — Brittle, scaly, tight, and rough skin can often trigger eczema outbreaks. Does eczema regress by itself without or without treatment? You should understand and avoid the most common triggers that make your condition worse.

I am going on vacation I am getting married or taking part in a wedding Getting ready for summer Just looking for options. Yes, I have No, I have not done anything I have tried surgical procedures I try to exercise and eat healthy.

Chronic eczema such as atopic dermatitis can go into remission with the help of a good preventative treatment plan. Periods of remission can last for weeks or even years, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Your treatment will depend on the stage and severity of the rash, says Kaminska.

Mild flare-ups may require over-the-counter OTC care, such as ceramide- or hyaluronic acid —rich creams or colloidal oatmeal baths. Moderate atopic dermatitis, and sometimes even mild atopic dermatitis, may need a step-up to an OTC hydrocortisone cream. Moderate to severe eczema needs dermatologist care , particularly because cracks and fissures that result from the breakdown of the skin barrier are prone to infection.

Your dermatologist may suggest a prescription-strength cortisone or non-cortisone anti-inflammatory cream; phototherapy, or light therapy ; or a biologic injectable medication like Dupixent dupilumab , Kaminska says. Topical corticosteroids , such as cortisone creams, should be used only in the short term, as side effects can include skin thinning or hypopigmentation in skin of color. Part of this is keeping showers to 5 to 10 minutes in lukewarm water, washing with a gentle, fragrance- and scent-free cleanser, and slathering on moisturizer right after bathing, when skin is still damp.

Other factors, such as avoiding cigarette smoke, limiting contact with household cleaners, and avoiding other common irritants, like nickel and wool or polyester fabrics, can also help, according to the NEA. Many patients find that stress flares their eczema, so stress management can play an important role in overall skin health.

Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Eczema —the general name for various inflammatory skin conditions that cause a red, scaly, blistered rash—has three stages: acute , subacute , and chronic. Each eczema stage has its own distinct symptoms that demonstrate the progression of the condition. Unlike some other health concerns, however, the stages of eczema are not as predictable as you might assume.

As research advances, scientists are learning more and more about what actually causes eczema to advance through these stages.

Researchers have split eczema into two groups: atopic and non-atopic. Whether a case is one or the other depends on if there's overactivity of the immune system. Both types of rashes can cycle through the three different stages of eczema the longer they persist, but there is no set timeline for doing so.

This varies rash to rash and person to person. Eczema's progression through the stages isn't always linear. For example, a rash may start at the acute stage, move to subacute, and then chronic.

Or, it may start at the subacute stage and move to the acute stage. The same rash may cycle through the stages many times. A rash may also start and stop at nearly any stage. The different stages of eczema don't represent the severity of the condition. For example, acute eczema can have either mild or severe symptoms; subacute eczema can also be either mild or severe. It's not always clear why eczema rashes progress from one stage to another, but it may have to do with coming in contact with certain triggers, having hormonal changes, and possibly experiencing changes in the skin's microbiome.

The acute stage refers to an eczema rash that has just started. Itching is often the first sign of acute eczema. This happens even before the rash is apparent, which is rather different than most other types of rashes. Some characteristics of the stage of acute eczema include:. Acute eczema has very distinct borders. Eczema tends to be very intense during this initial phase. The acute stage of eczema is often referred to as a flareup. Acute eczema can be caused by contact with allergens like poison ivy or poison oak , an id reaction a skin rash that develops in a distant site due to a reaction to a primary infection, typically fungal , or a worsening of atopic dermatitis.

There is some indication that Staphylococcus aureus colonies growing on the skin may contribute to disease flares in atopic dermatitis. An over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine can be used to suppress the immune system. Additionally, cold, wet compresses can help soothe symptoms.

Topical steroids can be prescribed to reduce inflammation. Oral steroids may be used in cases where the rash is very severe or widespread. The subacute stage is the transitional phase between the acute and chronic stages. Eczema may also begin at the subacute stage. At this stage, eczema has these characteristics:. Subacute symptoms are generally less severe. This is especially true of itching, which may be subdued. Burning and stinging in the subacute stage is more intense, however.

In subacute eczema, rash borders aren't as distinct. The rash is dry rather than blistered and oozing. Many acute eczema rashes move into the subacute phase as they are healing. Subacute rashes can bounce back into the acute phase during an eczema flare, while long-lasting subacute rashes often become chronic.