Unfortunately, there’s no cure for eczema, but its symptoms can be managed.

When youre exposed to eczema triggers, youll likely experience a flare-up.

Once a flare-up begins, it lasts for an average of 15 days.

Man applying lotion to arm

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Does Baby Eczema Go Away?

Up to 80% of people who have eczema as children outgrow the condition by adulthood.

Eczema Flare-Up Triggers

Flare-ups are often linked to eczema triggers.

to reduce how long eczema lasts, you will need to identify your triggers.

Staying Ahead of Eczema

Keeping a symptom journal can help you identify your triggers.

Then, you might reflect on what has recently changed when symptoms appear.

Youre likely to move throughseveral eczema healing stages.

During Healing

To understand how eczema resolves, its helpful to understand the stages of eczema.

When youre experiencing a flare-up, youre in the acute phase.

Next comes the subacute stage, where symptoms are slightly less severe.

This stage is characterized by flaking skin, itchiness, pain, and other symptoms.

Although theres a recognized progression through these stages, thats not always how eczema behaves.

Chronic Eczema

If your flare-ups last for three months or longer, you may have chronic eczema.

It may take some trial and error to find the one that works best for you.

When youre trying a new therapy, keep a diary of how your symptoms respond.

This can provide valuable information to you and your healthcare provider as you move forward with treatment options.

These flare-ups usually last for about two weeks, but they can be longer or shorter.

A Word From Verywell

Eczema symptoms can be unbearable for kids and adults alike.

Limiting your exposure to triggers and promptly treating flare-ups may help reduce the length of your symptoms.

When you experience a flare-up, call your healthcare provider for treatment advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eczema may resolve on its own if it’s untreated.

However, treatments like daily moisturizing and applying over-the-counter or prescription steroid cream can help make you more comfortable.

They might also cause your symptoms to clear more quickly.

Avoiding triggers and following your treatment regime is the best way to clear eczema quickly.

On average, flares resolve within two weeks.

In addition, your healthcare provider may have tips for you specifically on managing triggers and speeding up recovery.

No,eczema is not contagious.

Eczema is sparked by both genetic and environmental factors, however.

Abuabara, Katrina, David J Margolis, and Sinead M Langan.The long-term course of atopic dermatitis.

2017 doi: 10.1016/j.det.2017.02.003.

National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.

National Eczema Association.Eczema stats.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Eczema (atopic dermatitis) causes & strategies for prevention.

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Eczema.