Prognosis of Eczema

Approximately 10 to 20 percent of all children and 1 to 3 percent of all adults in the United States suffer from eczema, according to the American Academy of Allergies, Asthma and Immunology. Also called atopic dermatitis, eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy red patches of dry skin, rashes and the appearance of scales. Overall, the prognosis of eczema is that the condition can cause uncomfortable life-long symptoms, but eczema is not life-threatening.

Causes

• A hypersensitive immune system leads to eczema, but why some people develop the condition over others is not understood by doctors, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Many people with eczema also have allergies or asthma or a family history of these conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Time Frame

• In children, eczema often disappears before adulthood, and in those cases the prognosis for the disease is very good. When eczema begins later in life, however, it is a chronic condition.

Considerations

• Although there is no cure for eczema, there are medical treatments and self-care steps you can take to reduce the effects of the condition, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Using these treatment methods improves the prognosis of eczema by lessening symptoms.

Treatment

• Medications commonly prescribed for eczema include oral and topical croticosteroids, antihistamines and immunomodulating drugs that suppress your immune system or stop the hypersensitive reaction. Phototherapy, which uses concentrated exposure to natural or artificial light, is also effective in minimizing outbreaks of eczema and improving its prognosis.

Self-Care

• Use moisturizing creams with ointment bases after you bathe to alleviate the symptoms of eczema, advises the National Eczema Association. It is also important to avoid rubbing your skin too roughly when you bathe or dry off.