What to Do When Eczema Flare-ups

Eczema Flare-ups

Table Contents

Eczema is a skin condition that creates an itchy, dry, and often scaly rash on the skin. Common in adults and children alike. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common types of eczema experienced. This is why eczema and atopic dermatitis are considered the two names for the same disease.

Eczema Symptoms

Eczema is most known for its symptoms, including:

  • Intense itching
  • Dry skin
  • Raw and sensitive skin
  • Scaly patches of rash
  • Inflammation
  • Cracked or thick patches of skin
  • Raised small bumps that leak fluid and scab when scratched

What is an Eczema Flare-up?

Eczema is a chronic skin condition which means it comes and goes from time to time. It is known for having periods of when eczema symptoms are reduced or disappear as well as periods of intense symptoms, called flare-ups. In simpler words, eczema flare-up is the return of mild to severe eczema symptoms on the skin.

These flare-ups can be very uncomfortable and even painful, leading to severe itching, loss of sleep, and even scarring if not controlled.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Triggers

Baby eczema can flare up for a variety of reasons, including stress and changes in temperature. 

  • Dry skin
  • Stress
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Metals
  • Artificial fragrances
  • Chemicals in skincare products
  • Laundry detergents 
  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Pet dander
  • Extreme weather
  • Sweat 
  • Hard water
  • Synthetic fiber 

What to Do When Eczema Flare-ups?

Though eczema isn’t particularly dangerous, flare-ups can be painful for both babies and adults alike, leading to tears, fussing, and sleepless nights.

Use a Gentle Cleanser 

It’s important to keep eczema-prone skin clean to prevent infection, especially during a flare-up. 

  • Take a warm – not hot – bath for 5 to 10 minutes. 
  • Cleanse the skin and hair with a gentle eczema shampoo and body wash that’s free of dyes, fragrances, and alcohol. 
  • Pat dry the skin with a soft towel, taking care not to rub his skin.

Moisturize

Eczema is worsened when the skin is dry, so it’s imperative to moisturize the skin during a flare-up. Look for a moisturizing cream for eczema that can help restore the skin’s natural barrier to protect it against irritants and keep it hydrated all day long. 

  • Apply the eczema cream immediately after a bath while the skin is a little damp.
  • Apply it twice daily to keep the skin hydrated.
  • Moisturize the skin every time after washing it.

Don’t Scratch

When experiencing eczema or an eczema flare-up itching is the most common symptom that appears. The itch can be really irritating and you would want to scratch it. But remember try not to scratch.

Scratching the affected area will cause a never-ending itch-scratch cycle. Intense scratching can lead to infections.

Avoid the Triggers

If you are unsure what might be triggering your eczema it is best to consult a dermatologist they can rule out the triggers through various tests. If you already know what might be triggering your eczema flare-up then try staying away from it. This will not only help with your flare-up but can prevent future flare-ups. 

Apply a Steroid Cream

Severe flare-ups can be treated with corticosteroid creams but these should only be used when prescribed by the dermatologist. Your pediatrician will work with you to decide what steroid strength is best, depending on the location of the eczema rash and how severe eczema is. 

  • Apply the steroid cream and then wrap a wet bandage around it to help the cream sink in and keep the area moist.

Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone creams are prescribed by the doctors for mild to severe eczema. These can be applied to the skin to reduce itching, irritation, and inflammation. These are OTC creams that are easily available. 

However, it is best to use when and how prescribed by the doctor to relieve eczema symptoms. Hydrocortisone has various strengths from 0.1 to 2.5, but the most commonly used for eczema is 1%.

Topical Calcineurin Inhibitor

In severe eczema cases, the doctor may prescribe the use of a topical calcineurin inhibitor or topical creams like tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel) to soothe the eczema symptoms and prevent future flare-ups.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are oral medications prescribed by the doctor to ease the itching and irritation associated with eczema. This can be taken at night especially if your eczema itch is not letting you sleep.

Wet Wrap Therapy

Wet wrap therapy is mostly used to relieve intense itching at night. Itching during the night can be very disturbing, especially for babies and children. 

To soothe this itching the doctor may prescribe the use of wet wrap therapy. In this a medicated cream is applied to the skin then it is covered with a damp dressing or cloth followed by a dry covering. To learn more about wet wrap therapy read our blog here.

Phototherapy

With so many advances in the past several years in science, there is now injectable immunotherapy (dupilumab) for severe refractory cases of eczema. Doctors might also prescribe phototherapy for severe flare-ups that are resistant to other treatments. Phototherapy uses different light wavelengths to soothe the inflammation and itching associated with eczema rashes.

Use a Humidifier

Dry air leads to dry skin. Help calm an eczema flare-up by using a humidifier to add moisture back into the air. You can set up a portable humidifier in your house or room at night. Just be sure to change the water and clean it regularly to avoid a buildup of bacteria.

How to Prevent Eczema Flare-ups?

The best way to treat an eczema flare-up is to prevent eczema in the first place.

Triggers are the environmental factors that irritate the skin and induce flare-ups, so avoiding triggers is key for preventing flare-ups.

Choose The Right Clothing

Many common fabrics like wool, polyester, and other scratchy materials can irritate the skin. Avoid these fabrics and instead, look for soft fabrics like cotton for towels, clothing, and bedding. Restrictive clothing, like too-tight pants or shirts, can build up friction against the skin and irritate it. Dress in loose, soft clothing.

Control Temperature

Extreme temperatures, either heat or cold, can trigger a flare-up. Keep baths warm, use a humidifier to moisten the air, and limit exposure. In hot weather keep your house cool with the help of an airconditioner to prevent sweating.

Avoid Harsh Products 

Common household products are often made with skin-irritating chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. The wrong soaps, laundry detergents, lotions, shampoos, and body washes can all cause flare-ups. Instead, choose gentle products, that are free from any harsh chemicals like fragrances, sulfate, parabens, artificial dyes, and phthalates.

When to Consult a Doctor?

If you suspect any of the following signs in your baby with eczema or yourself then it is best to consult a doctor.

  • Fever
  • Painful flare-ups
  • Eczema rashes are spreading to the rest of the body
  • Difficulty in sleeping
  • Any signs of infection
  • It is affecting your self-confidence.

Conclusion

Eczema symptoms can come and go from time to time. When these symptoms are gone this time period is known as remission and when they appear again they are known as eczema flare-ups. 

The severity of eczema symptoms may vary during the flare-ups. Eczema flare-ups can cause itching, redness, inflammation, and irritated skin. These symptoms can be easily managed by following a few simple steps and taking proper care of the skin. Make sure that you

  • Keep the affected area clean with an eczema shampoo and body wash.
  • Keep your skin moisturized with an eczema cream.
  • Avoid triggers that may be causing your flare-ups.
  • Consult a dermatologist if your eczema symptoms are getting worse even after taking proper care of your skin.

FAQs

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela
Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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How long will the eczema flare-up last?

The duration of an eczema flare-up depends on the severity of your condition. In mild cases of eczema, it may last up to one to three weeks. But in more severe cases, the flare-up may last much longer and need a proper treatment plan from the doctor.

How will I know if my eczema flare-up is healing?

If you were experiencing severe eczema and were experiencing blisters that were oozing, the first sign of healing is that these blisters start to dry up.

Why does eczema suddenly flare up?

The most common reason for eczema to flare up suddenly is due to irritants and allergens or a change in the weather outside. When your skin comes in contact with them, the skin barrier function becomes compromised and causes an eczema flare-up.

Can I stop eczema from coming back?

It is difficult to stop eczema from returning as it is a chronic condition. Which means it can come and go whenever it wants. But you can prevent it by avoiding the irritant or allergen triggering it, keeping the skin moisturized, and avoiding long baths, extreme temperatures, and products with harsh chemicals.

Can sunlight trigger eczema flare-ups?

It all depends on your skin type and the severity of your condition. Sometimes, the doctor may prescribe a small amount of sun exposure to improve the condition. In some cases, they may suggest avoiding direct contact with sunlight as it can trigger and worsen eczema.

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