Does atopic dermatitis/eczema regress by itself with/without treatment?
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic condition. Although the symptoms of this condition will come and go, the proclivity for a person to develop these signs may never disappear completely.
Eczema is incredibly itchy. In fact, most of the damage from this condition derives from the excessive rubbing or scratching that may result from the itchiness. Atopic dermatitis can occur anywhere on the human body, but this condition usually appears on the arms, legs, or cheeks.
Symptoms of Eczema:
Here are some common symptoms of eczema:
- Scaly and dry skin
- Itching
- Redness
- Rashes on the arms, legs, or cheeks
- Small cracks behind the ear
- Crusty sores that occur during flares
If a person’s skin develops an infection, a layer of yellow crust or tiny pus-filled vesicles may appear. The skin can also become a little thicker from excessive rubbing or scratching. Other forms of eczema, like contact dermatitis, may appear to be atopic dermatitis. Unfortunately, it’s possible to have more than one form of eczema at one time.
What makes eczema worsen or flare-up?
When attempting to determine the triggers that may have caused your eczema, it is important to remember that a flare-up can occur within days or weeks of exposure. Although triggers often vary from person to person, here are some of the more common triggers of atopic dermatitis.
1. Dry Skin – Brittle, scaly, tight, and rough skin can often trigger eczema outbreaks.
2. Chemical Irritation – There are many daily substances or products such as dish soap and laundry detergent that can cause an outbreak. These chemicals usually cause a person’s skin to become itchy, irritated, or red.
3. Stress and Anxiety – Stress can take a significant toll on an individual’s health. Atopic dermatitis can worsen when a person is too anxious.
4. Cold or Hot Temperatures – Excessive sweating could cause itchy and dry skin. The same issues can result from very cold weather.
5. Infections – There are many forms of bacteria and viruses that can cause an eczema flare-up.
6. Allergies – Individuals with many allergies are more likely to experience symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites can all contribute to outbreaks.
7. Hormones – Natural processes within the body involving hormones can cause flare-ups as well. These usually occur when a hormone goes through a rapid decrease or increase.
Does eczema regress by itself without or without treatment?
Each person will experience outbreaks of atopic dermatitis for different lengths and at varying frequencies. In many cases, it is possible for the symptoms to regress without any serious treatment. This is especially true for cases that aren’t too drastic. For example, a few flare-ups on the arm would be significantly more likely to regress without treatment than an entire rash. Every individual will experience different periods of regression. When forgoing treatment, it’s important to avoid anything that could make the condition worse. Here are a few tips for managing eczema without medical intervention.
1. You should understand and avoid the most common triggers that make your condition worse.
2. It’s recommendable to adhere to a regular moisturizing and skincare routine.
3. You should keep an eye out for signs of an infection including pain, heat, redness, or pus-filled vesicles.
Although many outbreaks of atopic dermatitis will subside on their own, others will require medical intervention. There are some prescription medications and ointments that can be used to treat flare-ups that last for a longer time. If you need help managing your eczema symptoms, contact Fargo Dermatology today to schedule a consultation.
