For any given child, it is difficult to predict. The majority of babies with AD will lose most of the problem by adolescence, often before grade school. A small number will have severe AD into adulthood. Many have remissions that last for years. The dry skin tendency will remain.
Most people learn to use moisturizers to keep their dermatitis controlled.
Occasional episodes of AD may occur during times of stress or with jobs that expose the skin to irritants and wet work. Someone who has had eczema should avoid jobs that can injure the skin. Military service automatically excludes people with AD or asthma. Wet work in restaurants or hospitals is especially damaging to hands predisposed by AD to drying and cracking. The National Eczema Association for Science and Education acknowledges the help of Drs.