Prognosis and Duration of Disabling Effects

For those whose atopic eczema persists into adulthood the condition is likely to be permanent. Likewise allergic skin sensitisation is likely to persist for life. Irritant eczema should resolve and the skin should heal permanently once the source of irritation has been removed and the acute condition treated. In some cases where irritation has been prolonged or the condition neglected the inflammation of the skin can become chronic with continuous symptoms needing ongoing treatment.

However, in most cases exacerbations would be expected to last no more than 3-4 weeks and although there may be residual skin rash, there should be no loss of ability to deal with personal functions or the ability to walk.

With good management and reasonable care to avoid precipitating factors most cases of eczema should be controlled with minimal resulting disability.