How Long Does It Take For Eczema To Clear Up

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Eczema overview

"Eczema" does not refer to a single health condition. It's an umbrella term for a number of closely related skin diseases, all of which cause a cluster of skin issues. Up to 30 percent of the United States population has some form of eczema, and its typical symptoms include red, itchy, swollen patches of skin on the hands, cheeks, feet, or on the insides of the knees or elbows. Regardless of its underlying cause, eczema isn't contagious, and its symptoms tend to come and go.

While a handful of health conditions cause eczema, the most common trigger is atopic dermatitis—a chronic inflammatory disease that tends to show up during childhood (and usually before age 2). Many people use the terms "eczema" and "atopic dermatitis" interchangeably. But in the same way that not all headaches are migraines, not all eczema cases are atopic dermatitis. Allergies, stress, and contact with substances—including water or chemicals—can trigger eczema flare-ups even in those without atopic dermatitis.

Eczema is slightly more common among women than men, and African Americans tend to experience higher rates of eczema than other populations. Eczema has grown more common during the past two decades, though experts aren't sure exactly why that's happening.

Psoriasis vs. eczema: What's the difference?

It's easy to mix up plaque psoriasis and eczema—they're both frustrating conditions that cause itchy, red skin. To an untrained eye, they may look similar, but there are some key differences:

Their looks: Both psoriasis and eczema cause patches of red skin, but psoriasis plaques are also scaly and raised.
The parts of the body they strike: Eczema typically occurs on parts of the body that bend, such as the inner elbows and behind the knees. Psoriasis, on the other hand, is most likely to strike on the elbows, knees, scalp, palms of hands, and soles of feet.
Their symptoms: Both eczema and psoriasis feel itchy, but psoriasis may also burn. (Learn more about psoriasis symptoms.)
Their causes: Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, while eczema is triggered by external allergens and irritants. (Learn more about what causes psoriasis.)

What are the types of eczema?

While all forms of eczema are associated with skin symptoms, there are several different types of eczema. These types are defined by their presentation (how and where they show up) and by their underlying causes or triggers.

Atopic dermatitis on inner elbow

Atopic dermatitis

The most common type of eczema, atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease related to improper immune system activity and problems with the skin's outermost layers. Inflammation promotes a breakdown in the skin's protective barriers, which leads to dryness and other symptoms. Atopic dermatitis tends to show up during childhood, and often presents as red, itchy rashes on a person's cheeks, or on the insides of her knees or elbows. While the condition may subside before adulthood, it can stick around throughout a person's lifetime. Between 7 and 10 percent of adults have atopic dermatitis.

Contact Dermatitis on Neck

Contact dermatitis

As its name implies, this type of eczema is caused by skin contact with either an allergen or an irritant. Allergens could include certain metals like nickel, and in these cases symptoms emerge within 24 hours. Irritants include chemicals, acids, or even water, and symptoms can flare almost immediately. (If the hands become red and itchy after washing dishes or otherwise being wet, this is a form of irritant contact eczema.)

Dyshidrotic eczema

This type of eczema shows up as small fluid-filled blisters on the palms or soles of the feet. These blisters can itch and burn, and may leak clear fluid. The causes of dyshidrotic eczema aren't known, but it often shows up in patients with atopic dermatitis or allergies.

Neurodermatitis

While its underlying causes aren't known, this form of eczema is caused by chronic rubbing or scratching. That irritation causes the skin to thicken, and can lead to the formation of scaly red patches on the head, lower legs, wrists, or arms.

Seborrheic dermatitis

This form of eczema may be related to a type of yeast irritant in the oils of the skin that causes an immune system reaction. It tends to show up as dandruff, or flaky red patches of skin on the scalp or face.

Stasis dermatitis

This type usually shows up as thick, red, inflamed and itchy skin on the shins or legs. It's often caused by blood-flow problems, and it may show up more commonly in people with varicose veins.

What causes eczema?

In many cases, the exact causes or triggers of eczema aren't well understood. But eczema sometimes results from a specific gene mutation that causes a lack of protective proteins in the outer layer of a person's skin. This genetic component helps explain why eczema runs in families.

Environmental factors, especially early in life, also seem to play a part. It's possible that kids with underlying genetic vulnerabilities develop eczema if they're exposed at a young age to specific allergens, irritants or chemicals. Research has shown that breastfed babies are less likely to develop eczema, while a fast-food diet or lots of time spent indoors seem to increase a child's risk. Experts are still teasing apart how all these factors may contribute to a person's risks for eczema.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Eczema symptoms can appear anywhere on the skin—from the scalp to the bottom of the feet. But the symptoms below usually show up on an adult's hands, the insides of the elbows or knees, and the back of the neck. In infants and kids, all those same hot spots are still a problem, though eczema often also shows up in a child's cheeks, arms, legs, and torso.

Those symptoms include:

Dry and/or itchy skin
Skin rashes
Swollen skin
Patches of red or brown skin
Cracked or rough skin
Bumps on the skin
Skin blisters that may or may not leak clear fluid
Thick or brittle skin
Skin crusting or scales

How is eczema diagnosed?

There are no lab tests for eczema. Dermatologists and physicians diagnose the condition based on a physical exam and a discussion with the patient about his symptoms.

If a patient comes in with red, scaling skin on his face and scalp, a doctor may determine after close inspection that the patient has seborrheic dermatitis. Or, if the patient is an infant or toddler with rashes on her cheeks, arms and legs, a doctor may diagnose her with atopic dermatitis.

During the doctor-patient discussion, a doctor is likely to ask if scratching the itchy skin feels good—even if it also makes the skin irritation worse. If the patient answers yes, that's a telltale sign that he has eczema. (While other skin conditions are itchy, scratching them tends to be painful—not enjoyable.)

A doctor may also ask a patient if she has been stressed, if she has any known allergies, if she's taking any medications, or if she's been exposed to any metals or chemicals. Each of these factors could help a doctor determine if eczema (or something else) is to blame for a patient's skin issues. A doctor may also ask how long symptoms have been occurring, whether those symptoms ebb and flow, and what (if anything) seems to make them worse or better.

If a doctor believes a patient's eczema is being triggered by an allergy, she may order skin-prick tests to confirm that an allergy is indeed part of the problem. But that has less to do with diagnosing eczema than in identifying its potential triggers. (A patient can be diagnosed with eczema even if its cause is never identified.)

How is eczema treated?

The best eczema treatment for you depends on symptoms and how severe they are. That said, several remedies are commonplace, including over the counter ointments, sprays, and lotions, prescription creams, doctor-administered drugs, phototherapy, relaxation therapy, and biofeedback.

Anti-inflammatory ointments

A doctor may prescribe a topical anti-inflammatory cream or gel—often a steroid like cortisone, in either prescription or OTC strength—to reduce redness, swelling, itching and irritation.

Cortaid Maximum Strength Cream

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CeraVe Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream

Moisturizers

Once a flare-up has settled down, eczema patients are instructed to moisturize regularly—multiple times a day, if possible—in order to keep their skin's protective barrier intact and to avoid another flare-up. In many cases, over-the-counter moisturizing products are fine, although doctors typically recommend products without heavy fragrance or tint. (Look for products containing words like "sensitive skin" or "hypoallergenic.") Moisturizes that contain ceramides—one of the natural fats found in the skin—often work well for eczema patients.

Eucerin Eczema Relief Flare-Up Treatment

AmLactin Ultra Smoothing Alpha Hydroxy Therapy Intensely Hydrating Cream

Drugs or injections

While topical treatments are sufficient for some patients, others may need next-level medications. These could include an injectable drug called dupilumab, which helps switch off some immune system signaling pathways that promote eczema. Topical immunomodulators (TIMS) are another class of drug that can help calm down the skin's immune activity and have been shown to help some eczema patients.

Phototherapy

Exposure to UV light rays can help suppress some overactive immune cells in the skin, and so can prevent flare-ups.

Relaxation or biofeedback therapy

For some patients, anxiety or mindless skin-scratching can fuel eczema. Counseling or therapy can help these patients manage their stress and unhelpful personal habits, which can prevent new symptom break-outs.

What are the complications of eczema?

The most common and crippling complication of eczema may be the social embarrassment and insecurity that can accompany symptoms. Especially for adolescents and young adults, living with eczema can be mortifying.

There are other serious complications:

Sleep disruption or insomnia. Eczema's symptoms can be uncomfortable or even painful, and so can promote poor-quality sleep or a lack of sleep.
Depression. Research has shown that eczema patients—especially teens and young adults—are at greater risk for depression than those who don't have the condition. This uptick in depression risk may stem from the social anxiety these patients feel as a result of their skin symptoms.
Scarring. Over time, scarring or skin discoloration can result from eczema break-outs and the scratching they entail.
Allergies. Eczema patients are at much greater risk for allergies and asthma than individuals without eczema.

How to prevent eczema

There is no cure for eczema, and there are no well-established ways for a person to protect herself from developing the condition in the first place. But there's good news: when it comes to preventing eczema from flaring, there are several well-established safeguards, and all they require are some relatively simple lifestyle changes.

Take short, lukewarm showers and baths

Long, hot showers or baths irritate and draw water from the skin, and so promote flare-ups. Gently patting the skin dry after bathing (as opposed to wiping it harshly) can also help.

Moisturize after bathing

As skin dries, moisture is naturally wicked away. To prevent over-drying, always moisturize after bathing, swimming, or getting skin wet.

Use soaps designed for sensitive skin

Fragrance-free soaps made for people with sensitive skin can help prevent dry skin and eczema flares.

Wear gloves and avoid irritants

Wearing gloves to do dishes or chores can keep the skin away from contact with harsh chemicals, soaps, or other irritants that can trigger a symptom outbreak. Washing clothing in detergents designed for people with sensitive skin is also a good idea.

Drink plenty of water

Staying well-hydrated can help prevent dry skin. Aim for eight glasses a day.

Wash new clothes before wearing

New duds often come coated with chemicals that can irritate the skin. Wash them before wearing. Loose cotton clothing is also less likely to irritate skin than tight, synthetic garments.

Manage stress

Stress is a known eczema trigger. Meditation, yoga, and exercise are all proven stress-fighters. Counseling can also help individuals develop effective stress-reduction techniques.

Aaron Drucker, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto and Adam Friedman , MD, associate professor of dermatology at George Washington University contributed to this report.

Markham Heid Markham Heid is an experienced health reporter and writer, has contributed to outlets like TIME, Men's Health, and Everyday Health, and has received reporting awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Maryland, Delaware, and D.C.

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