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 itchinessRed rashBumps or vesicles (fluid-filled blisters)Skin oozingPain and tendernessSwelling
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 skinFlakinessLess extreme itchinessRed rashBurning 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.
