Eczema Flare

Eczema is a long term skin condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed patches. An eczema flare up is when those patches suddenly get worse. Most flares calm down with steady moisturizing and the right cream.

What Is It

Doctors call it atopic dermatitis. The skin barrier does not hold moisture well, so it dries out and reacts easily. It often starts in childhood and runs in families with allergies and asthma. Common triggers include cold, dry Chicago winters, hot showers, harsh soaps, wool, sweat, and stress. Eczema is not contagious.

Symptoms

Intense itching, often worse at night
Dry, rough, or scaly patches
Red or darker patches, depending on skin tone
Patches in elbow and knee creases, hands, neck, or face
Thick skin from long term scratching
Small bumps that can ooze and crust

Not sure it’s eczema? A scaly ring with a clearer center may be ringworm, which is a fungus and needs a different cream.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider confirms the rash is eczema and looks for infection. A stronger steroid cream may calm the flare, and infected patches may need antibiotics. Frequent or severe flares may need a dermatologist.

At home:

Moisturize with a thick, fragrance free cream at least twice a day
Take short, lukewarm baths and apply moisturizer within 3 minutes
Use mild, fragrance free soap and laundry detergent
Use a humidifier in winter and wear soft cotton

Most flares improve within 1 to 2 weeks with treatment.

When to Get Care for an Eczema Flare

Watch at Home

A mild flare that improves with moisturizer
Itching that lets you sleep
No oozing or crusting

Come to Urgent Care Today

A flare not improving after a week of home care
Itching that keeps you or your child up at night
Oozing, yellow crusts, or pus, which can mean infection
Eczema spreading to new areas
A baby with a new widespread rash

Go to the Emergency Department

Painful clusters of blisters or punched out sores with fever
Red, hot, swollen skin spreading quickly, with fever
A very sick child with fever and a spreading rash

FAQ

What triggers an eczema flare up?

An eczema flare up is often triggered by dry winter air, hot showers, harsh soaps, wool, sweat, stress, or allergies. Triggers differ from person to person.

How do I calm an eczema flare fast?

Calm an eczema flare by moisturizing often with a thick, fragrance free cream and using hydrocortisone cream on itchy patches. A stronger prescription cream may be needed.

Is eczema contagious?

Eczema is not contagious. It cannot spread from person to person. Infected eczema with crusts or pus can spread bacteria, so it should be treated.

How do I know if eczema is infected?

Infected eczema may ooze, form yellow crusts, have pus, or become more painful and red. Painful clustered blisters with fever need care right away.

Can urgent care treat eczema?

Yes, urgent care can treat an eczema flare. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can check the rash for infection and discuss treatment. No appointment or referral is needed.

Do kids outgrow eczema?

Many children with eczema improve as they get older, and some outgrow it. Others have flares into adulthood, often in winter or with stress.

Last reviewed October 2026