Each eczema stage has unique symptoms, though the most familiar is a red, scaly, blistered rash.
Eczema does not always go through the three stages in order.
The same rash can cycle through the stages many times.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Dr. Richard Ashtonwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
An eczema rash can also start and stop at nearly any stage.
Acute Stage Eczema
Theacute stageof eczema is when a rash has just started.
Itching is typically the first sign of acute eczema.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
The itching often starts even before the rash shows up.
Thats one way that eczema is different from other common rashes.
What Causes Acute Eczema?
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealand and Dr. Richard Ashtonwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Acute eczema rashes may move into a new phase as they heal.
However, healing eczema rashes can flare up again if not treated.
In this case, eczema goes into the subacute stage.
In this stage, healing eczema may even return to the acute phase.
Long-lasting subacute rashes can also become chronic.
Some eczema symptoms are less severe in the subacute stage than in the acute stageespecially itching.
However, symptoms like burning and stinging are usually more intense during the subacute stage.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
In general, it takes three or more months for chronic eczema symptoms to appear.
The symptoms of chronic eczema include:
Eczema symptoms in the chronic stage can be severe.
Just like during the acute stage, the urge to itch can be overwhelming.
However, many symptoms during the chronic stage are caused and made worse by repeated scratching.
you might also ask about trying treatments like phototherapy for chronic eczema.
Eczema can cause the skin to itch, which can lead to scratching.
When clear fluid drains from the skin after itching, it is called weeping eczema.
As this fluid dries, it forms a crust on the skin.
Speak to a healthcare professional about the best ways to prevent itching.
It might burn or sting, but again, symptoms tend to improve during healing.
Healthcare providers often use a protocol known as “get control and keep control” when treating eczema.
As healing begins, speak with your healthcare professional about how the management of your eczema should progress.
For example, the frequency of topical steroid use might decrease once healing is underway.
It also increases the chances of infections like conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
Because eczema can lead to broken skin, a possibility for infection exists.
Because of this, people with eczema-related complications might need to take antibiotics.
Antibiotic overuse can lead to treatment-resistant infection and complications likeC.
Although it is extremely rare, these complications from eczema can lead to septic shock.
Many cases of eczema start in the subacute stage and stay there.
Eczema in the healing stage can also work backward, especially when it’s not being treated.
Over time, eczema flares can start lasting longer and become chronic.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis overview.
National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.
National Eczema Association.What is eczema?.
National Eczema Association.Atopic dermatitis.
National Eczema Association.Prescription phototherapy.
National Eczema Association.Available eczema treatments.
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National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
National Institutes of Health.Atopic dermatitis.
