Eczema
Atopic Dermatitis: signs and stages
Understanding how atopic dermatitis looks, feels and changes during a flare-up is helpful to patients seeking greater control of their condition
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. It is estimated that over 20 million people in the US live with the condition. Atopic is defined as “an allergy in which a hypersensitivity reaction such as dermatitis or asthma may occur in a part of the body not in contact with the allergen.” Then "dermatitis" means inflammation of the skin. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis will vary depending on which stage a flare-up is at. The stages are acute, subacute, and chronic.
Talking about the condition in terms of staging and symptoms can improve communication between doctors and patients. The patient may become better able to identify patterns, or triggers to avoid, while the doctor can recommend the most appropriate treatment option(s). Depending on stage, sometimes a steroid is needed to reduce inflammation, other times an antibiotic is called for to fight an infection.
So, what are the main differences in the three stages of an atopic dermatitis outbreak?
The acute stage is when the atopic dermatitis flare happens. Symptoms are intense. This intensity may be the result of the increased bodily inflammation leading to the flare-up. During this stage the affected skin, which can be in almost any area of the body, will be quite itchy and red. The skin may also look swollen and feel warm to the touch. Blisters will likely form and start to crust. During the acute stage, a topical steroid cream is often prescribed to try and reduce discomfort.
As the patch of eczema begins to heal, so starts the subacute stage of the flare-up. The itchiness will have improved and the skin won’t look as red and irritated. If a prescription treatment was started during the acute phase, it is important to finish the therapy as it was prescribed or else the symptoms could return. During this stage, a doctor may recommend usage of gentle moisturizer to help soothe the skin as part of its healing process.
The chronic stage is most common for patients. This is when the skin patchiness has persisted for a matter of months. The affected area may take on a leathery appearance (this is also called “lichenified” skin). Depending on the severity of this stage and how long it lasts, a doctor may look to therapies that are more aggressive such as oral steroids an injectable medicine. Sometimes “light therapy” can help as well. This treatment, also called phototherapy, can help activate a person’s immune system in an effort to trigger an anti-inflammatory response in order to improve symptoms.
Atopic dermatitis can be a frustrating condition to manage. Often a treatment approach utilizing different tools is the most effective given the changes skin undergoes during a flare-up. It is important to understand the staging along with what makes the skin feel and look better. Patients who are able to limit contact with known (and suspected) irritants that led to the episode in the first place may experience fewer breakouts over time.
Published Date July 01, 2024
Latest News
Leukemia (AML)
A simple guide to understanding chemo
Chemo is an effective cancer treatment - but what is it exactly and why does it work?
2024-12-09T14:25:00Z
Eczema
Self-care tips during eczema flare-ups
Eczema can be emotionally draining and physically uncomfortable - learn how self-care can change your outlook
2024-11-26T18:46:00Z
Healthy Volunteers
What is a Phase 1 trial?
Phase 1 trials are necessary first steps on the road to clinical breakthroughs and healthy volunteers can help make these a reality.
2024-11-11T15:35:00Z
Colorectal Cancer
The role of biomarker testing in cancer
Biomarkers can play important roles in cancer treatment, but what are they and what can they tell doctors?
2024-10-16T18:18:00Z
Hypertension
Home-based exercise tips for blood pressure control
Getting heart-healthy physical activity doesn't have to mean running a marathon or joining an expensive gym.
2024-09-08T18:30:00Z
Leukemia (AML)
What helps with nausea besides medicine?
Nausea is an unfortunate aspect of cancer treatment - what may help reduce this side effect?
2024-08-31T18:30:00Z
Healthy Volunteers
Common misconceptions about clinical research
Many people have never participated in a clinical trial so it can be hard to separate fact from myth - here are some of the most common myths debunked.
2024-08-28T21:23:00Z
Obesity
The basics of BMI
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a standard way to assess weight status - learn why and where it came from
2024-08-22T13:50:00Z
Colorectal Cancer
Why is Colorectal Cancer striking at younger ages?
The number of people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer under the age of 50 has greatly increased - what might be the cause of this troubling trend?
2024-08-14T16:12:00Z
Hypertension
Four foods linked with lower blood pressure
While the foods you eat can raise the risk of developing hypertension, there are also options that can help lower blood pressure.
2024-08-01T18:30:00Z
Obesity
A primer on GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss
An overview on select GLP-1 receptor agonist treatments that help promote blood sugar management and weight loss
2024-07-31T18:30:00Z
Multiple Myeloma
Life with a rare disease
Experiencing serious health challenges is difficult enough - having a relatively unknown condition adds additional complexity
2024-07-08T22:02:00Z
Eczema
Atopic Dermatitis: signs and stages
Understanding how atopic dermatitis looks, feels and changes during a flare-up is helpful to patients seeking greater control of their condition
2024-07-01T16:12:00Z
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
Speaking with your PCP about MASH
Engaging your primary doctor in a conversation about risk for MASH liver disease doesn't have to be scary
2024-06-25T12:15:00Z
Alzheimer's Disease
New Alzheimer’s Disease research breakthroughs
The 2020s have been the most impactful decade so far for the debilitating form of dementia
2024-05-02T18:30:00Z
Breast Cancer
Talking to family about cancer genes
Though this conversation may be difficult, it might be vitally important for your loved ones
2024-02-05T18:30:00Z
Lupus
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) and Diet
Can what you eat make a difference?
2024-04-15T18:30:00Z
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
Learning you need a liver biopsy: staying calm
Approaches to stay in control before, during and after a biopsy
2023-12-27T18:30:00Z
Diabetes
The recent rise of walking as exercise
Grab your sneakers, grab a friend, or grab your dog and get moving!
2023-12-05T18:30:00Z
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Coping with the holidays during cancer treatment
Getting ready to face a new year while facing cancer is no easy task
2023-11-23T18:30:00Z
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Possible link between multiple sclerosis and viral infection?
Researchers are looking to learn more about if and how a virus can trigger multiple sclerosis
2023-10-25T18:30:00Z
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
Making lifestyle changes: ten ideas to get started
Losing excess weight together with an active lifestyle helps with the management of MASH, but where to begin?
2023-09-05T18:30:00Z
Lung Cancer
Talking to loved ones about your clinical trial
How to talk to family and friends when you are thinking of changing cancer treatment plans for a research option
2023-08-14T18:30:00Z
Lung Cancer
Learning you have lung cancer as a non-smoker
Lung cancer can be a shocking diagnosis when you've never smoked - how can it be?
2023-08-15T18:30:00Z
Prostate Cancer
Does a high PSA score always mean cancer?
Learn more about this common test for older men and how it relates to cancer risk
2023-07-10T18:30:00Z
Breast Cancer
Understanding the differences between mastectomy and lumpectomy
Two different surgical options both seeking the same outcome
2023-07-07T18:30:00Z
Lupus
New treatments are on the horizon for lupus patients
From biologics to CAR-T, developments in clinical research for SLE have opened new treatment doors for patients.
2023-05-22T16:15:00Z
Multiple Myeloma
Understanding eligibility criteria for clinical research studies
Clinical trials utilize sets of criteria to determine if a person is a good fit - but what are these and what do they mean?
2023-04-05T18:30:00Z
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Learning you need a biopsy: staying calm
Approaches to stay in control before, during and after a diagnostic biopsy
2023-03-14T18:30:00Z
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
Making lifestyle changes: ten ideas to get started
Pharmaceutical companies are rushing to fill the NASH treatment gap
2023-03-14T18:30:00Z