Can eczema clear up on its own?

Eczema is a skin inflammatory disease . It manifests itself through the appearance of red, rough, and dry patches with irregular edges. These lesions are accompanied by intense itching. Subsequently, vesicles filled with clear fluid appear. Under the effect of scratching, they rupture and ooze. Eczema affects approximately 2.5 million people in France and accounts for about 30% of the reasons for consultation with a dermatologist. There are several forms of eczema , the most common being atopic eczema and contact eczema.

• Also known as atopic dermatitis, atopic eczema is caused by a genetic predisposition. Atopic skin has a fragile skin barrier, which allows allergens to easily penetrate it. Moreover, the immune system of those suffering from atopic eczema reacts more violently to external stimuli , causing disproportionate inflammatory responses when the skin is exposed to common environmental allergens (animal hair, pollen, dust...).

• Contacteczema, also known as contact dermatitis, occurs after the skin comes into contact with a specific allergenic substance. Four major sources of allergens, present in our everyday environment, are generally the cause of contact eczema. These include clothing items, cosmetics, topical medications, and occupational allergens, i.e., those present at work (cement, paint, pesticides, gloves...). Thus, although contact eczema causes symptoms similar to those of atopic eczema, its origin is different and is not linked to genetics.

No, atopic eczema does not go away on its own. It is a chronic skin condition that requires special monitoring. While it is true that a child's eczema may fade or even disappear when they reach adulthood, it is important to keep in mind that this does not happen by itself and requires medical intervention. On the prescription of a dermatologist, the alleviation of symptoms is usually achieved through the application of topical corticosteroids on the eczematous lesions. These very rich cortisone-based creams have recognised anti-inflammatory properties and help to relieve itching and redness.

Other measures can help to limit eczema flare-ups, such as the use of gentle skincare products, but also thedaily application of an emollient balm. This type of care helps to strengthen the hydrolipidic film and the skin barrier, which are deficient in cases of atopic eczema. The ease of penetration of allergens is thus reduced, which limits allergic reactions and associated inflammations.

To eliminate contact eczema, it is first necessary toidentify the responsible allergen. Therefore, it cannot be said that it disappears on its own. Skin tests, known as patch tests, must be carried out by an allergist to determine what the allergenic factor causing the eczema flare-ups is. The results are usually obtained after a period of 48 to 72 hours. After identifying the allergen, the solution to eliminate eczema and prevent recurrence is to banish it from daily life.

Following the removal of the causative substance and while waiting for the eczematous lesions to disappear, your dermatologist may prescribe you cortisone-based rich creams, similar to those prescribed for atopic eczema. These formulas help to soothe the damaged skin and promote its repair.

• GOLDENBERG G. & al. Eczema. The Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine (2011).

• BORRADORI L. & al. Dermatologie et infections sexuellement transmissibles. Elsevier Masson (2017).