Acute eczema is the beginning phase of eczema, when symptoms may first appear.
It causes 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 on paler
skin tones and brown, purple, or gray on darker skin tones.
Eczema Progression Guide
Acute eczema
subacute eczema
chronic eczema
patches of
darker skin
infected eczema
patches of
lighter skin
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 skin, warm skin, swelling, pain, or fever. It is important to get immediate treatment for an infection. People can help prevent infections by avoiding scratching and taking steps to reduce eczema flares.
Subacute eczema involves symptoms similar to acute
eczema, including discolored patches of skin with bumpy
rash or blisters. However, the symptoms tend to be less
severe. The affected skin may thicken and become scaly.
Chronic eczema causes affected patches of skin to get
scaly, thickened, and discolored. The skin may crack and
bleed, especially if a person scratches it or does not keep it well moisturized.
Symptoms may last for months or longer.
Eczema may cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which happens when the skin produces more melanin than usual in response to inflammation.
This causes darker patches of skin that may take several months or longer to fade, even after a flare of eczema is under control. It is more common in people with dark skin tones.
Eczema may also cause post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, which happens when the skin loses pigmentation due to inflammation.
This causes lighter patches of skin that may take several months or longer to return to the usual color, even after a flare of eczema is under control. It is more common in people with dark skin tones.
Acute eczema
subacute eczema
chronic eczema
patches of
darker skin
patches of
lighter skin
infected eczema
