Will Eczema Eventually Resolve on Its Own?

There’s no doubt about it — the persistent itching, redness, and inflammation associated with eczema can make day-to-day life uncomfortable.

If you’re living with eczema, you know firsthand how challenging this chronic skin condition can be. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting millions of people, especially children. 

Our board-certified dermatologists at Manhattan Dermatology, with offices in New York City’s Murray Hill and Midtown East neighborhoods, are here to help. 

Our practice offers personalized care for mild to severe eczema, including help preventing and managing flare-ups. 

If you’re ready for relief from eczema, keep reading to learn whether your condition is likely to resolve over time and how our dermatology team can help.  

What do I need to know about eczema?

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by patches of red, itchy, and inflamed skin. While it most commonly appears in children, adults can develop eczema too. 

The exact cause of eczema is still unknown, but we believe it is the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

People with eczema often have an overactive immune system, which reacts to allergens and irritants in ways that lead to the telltale symptoms: dryness, cracking, and intense itchiness. 

If you have eczema, your skin barrier is often compromised, making it harder for your skin to retain moisture and protect against irritants.

Eczema triggers differ from person to person but commonly include:

• Certain soaps or detergents
• Dust mites and pet dander
• Environmental factors such as heat or cold

Stress, both physical and emotional, can also be a trigger for eczema flare-ups. 

Will eczema go away by itself?

Studies have shown that many children with eczema see significant improvement by adolescence, and some may even experience complete remission. 

But this isn’t the case for everyone. In adults, eczema can persist throughout life, though the severity of flare-ups may lessen with proper management. 

Research shows that whether you continue to struggle with eczema depends on several factors, including:

• Age of onset, with young children being more likely to outgrow eczema
• Family history of eczema, allergies, or asthma
• The severity of the eczema, with more severe cases persisting 
• Things in your environment, like exposure to allergens or irritants
• Living in a dry or cold climate

While eczema can sometimes improve on its own, it rarely disappears without proactive management. Flare-ups can continue to occur, especially when you’re exposed to common triggers.

How can I manage eczema for long-term relief?

Even if eczema doesn’t completely resolve, there are ways to minimize symptoms and prevent flare-ups. These management strategies can significantly improve the quality of life for people dealing with this condition:

Daily moisturizing 

Keeping your skin hydrated is very important when it comes to managing eczema. Use a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer daily to help restore the skin barrier and prevent dryness.

Avoid triggers 

Identify and avoid personal triggers, such as certain soaps, fabrics, or allergens. A dermatologist can help you pinpoint environmental factors that may be contributing to your flare-ups.

Topical treatments 

Prescription creams and ointments, such as corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, can reduce inflammation and relieve itching during flare-ups. Over-the-counter options like hydrocortisone may be effective for milder cases.

Stress management 

Since stress is a known trigger for eczema, practicing stress-relieving techniques like mindfulness, exercise, or yoga can reduce flare-ups.

What if my eczema doesn’t improve?

If you’ve been struggling with eczema and your symptoms haven’t improved with self-care, it’s time to seek help from one of our board-certified dermatologists at Manhattan Dermatology.

We assess your skin, help identify triggers, and create a personalized eczema treatment plan to provide long-term relief. Advanced treatments may include:

• Topical creams and ointments
• Medications to ease itching
• Prescriptions for persistent cases
• Immunotherapy to improve your immune system

Each treatment plan at Manhattan Dermatology is personalized to your skin's specific needs, giving you the best possible approach to managing your eczema in the long term.

For help managing eczema, set up an appointment with a Manhattan Dermatology team member. You can schedule online or over the phone at our office in the Murray Hill or Midtown East sections of Manhattan, New York City.