Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that affects roughly 10% of the worldwide population. A chronic condition typically develops during childhood, although adults may develop it too. In this post, we’ll describe the healing stages of eczema so you know what to expect when treating this condition.
Please keep in mind that although what we discuss in this post can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.
Eczema Symptoms and Flare-Ups
Eczema is characterized by red, rough, and incredibly itchy skin resulting from a damaged skin barrier. The skin barrier’s inability to retain moisture leads to chronically dry skin. The skin may also appear scaly or flaky or have white spots. If relentless scratching occurs, the skin may crack or bleed, which can lead to infection. Symptoms may come and go with varying degrees of intensity. This means there may be times when your eczema is barely noticeable and others when you’re experiencing severe flare-ups.
Will My Eczema Go Away?
Eczema is a life-long condition for which there is currently no cure. That being said, there are ways to manage and treat symptoms so that life is more comfortable. One of the best ways to do this is by avoiding the many triggers that can lead to flare-ups. Another thing to note is that age may have an effect.
For many, symptoms subside as they grow older. So if you develop eczema as an infant or child, it’s possible that your symptoms may improve, and flare-ups may be less frequent as you age.
How Long Do Flare-ups Last?
If you’re wondering when your eczema flare-up will subside, the truth is that it’s different for everyone, as each person is unique. That being said, your eczema healing time depends on the underlying cause. For example, suppose your eczema is triggered because of direct contact with a particular substance in the environment. In that case, you can expect the rash to disappear within a few weeks of treatment.
Common triggers include fragrances, animal dander, dust mites, cosmetics, and pollen. On the other hand, an allergic trigger may result in a longer flare-up.
Healing Stages of Eczema
There is no set timeline for eczema healing, and the progression of eczema through the various stages isn’t always linear. For example, the same rash may cycle through the same stage repeatedly.
Acute: This refers to an eczema rash at its beginning phase. You can expect this short-term eczema to last for a few weeks before your skin heals. It typically comes about because the skin comes into contact with an irritating substance. Itchiness is one of the first signs of acute eczema and is often very intense initially.
Subacute: Consider this the transitional phase between acute and chronic stages. Itching may be more subdued in this stage by a burning or stinging sensation. In addition, you may notice that the borders of your rash are not as distinct as they were in the acute stage and that your skin may be more flaky or scaly.
Chronic: These eczema flares are long-lasting and may take three to four months to appear. Chronic stage symptoms include thick, leathery-looking skin, known as lichenification. The skin may also appear dark or discolored, with more cracks. The itching tends to be intense again.
At-Home Treatments
Moisturize:
Use our Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream to hydrate even the driest of skin and soothe itchy patches of eczema. Made with just six ingredients - all natural - this nourishing oil-based balm is gentle enough for babies and adults alike.It's also gentle enough for delicate areas like lips and eyelids.
Elimination Diet:
If you need help identifying your food triggers, try an elimination diet for eczema. This involves removing certain foods from your diet for a set amount of time (usually a month) and slowly incorporating them back in to see which caused a reaction.
References:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/eczema-stages-1069256
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-eczema-last
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Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for The Eczema Company. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes.
