Acute eczema is the stage when eczema symptoms may
first appear.
You may experience patches of discolored skin with a bumpy rash or blisters that may weep or ooze clear fluid. These patches of skin may be itchy or painful. They may appear red
if you have a light skin tone or brown, purple, or gray if you have a dark skin tone.
Eczema Progression Guide
Acute eczema
subacute eczema
chronic eczema
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
infected eczema
Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation
Eczema may become infected if viruses or bacteria enter the skin through cracks or open sores.
Potential signs of infection include yellowish-white spots or crust on the affected skin, warm skin, swelling, pain, or fever. It’s essential to get immediate treatment for an infection.
You can help prevent infections by not scratching and taking steps to reduce eczema flares.
Subacute eczema causes symptoms similar to those of acute eczema, including discolored patches of skin with bumpy
rash or blisters. But the symptoms tend to be less severe.
The affected skin may thicken and become scaly.
Chronic eczema causes patches of skin to get scaly, thickened, and discolored. The skin may crack and bleed, especially if
you scratch it or don't keep it well moisturized. Symptoms of chronic eczema may last for several months or longer.
Eczema may cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which happens when your skin produces more melanin than usual in response to inflammation.
It causes darker patches of skin that may take several
months or longer to fade, even after a flare of eczema is managed. You’re more likely to experience it if you have a dark skin tone.
Eczema may also cause post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, which happens when your skin loses pigmentation due to inflammation.
It causes lighter patches of skin that may take several months
or longer to return to your usual skin color, even after a flare
of eczema is managed. You’re more likely to experience it if
you have a dark skin tone.
Acute eczema
subacute eczema
chronic eczema
infected eczema
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation
