Eczema in Darker Skin Tones
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, causes dry, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. It affects people of every race and ethnicity, but research shows that people with skin of color, especially children, are at a higher risk of developing it and often have more severe symptoms. Although this skin condition isn’t contagious, the constant itching can interrupt sleep and cause emotional distress, and people with darker skin tones are seeking effective treatments to get it under control. This is complicated because eczema doesn’t always look the way most people expect on darker skin, so it can be missed or mistaken for something else.
Eczema does not have a cure, but there are many safe treatments. When working with professionals in the skincare field, flare-ups can be recognized sooner, and tailored treatments can ensure the best outcomes and care.
Moisturizing every day, even when the skin looks clear, will help reduce the chances of flare-ups and help keep the skin barrier strong. Dry skin will most certainly make the itching worse.
Why Eczema Looks Different on Darker Skin Tones
The most common symptom of eczema is itching, and it can be intense. On lighter skin, eczema usually shows up as a red or pink rash, but on darker skin tones the patches can appear dark brown, purple, or ashen gray instead. This makes it harder to spot for both patients and healthcare providers. People with darker skin are also more likely to get small bumps on the torso, arms, and legs, known as papular eczema, and bumps around the hair follicles that look almost like goosebumps. Anywhere on the body is common, including the hands, the neck, the creases of the elbows and knees, and the area around the eyes. Very dry skin and dark circles under the eyes are also more common with eczema in darker skin tones.
After a flare-up calms down, the skin may be left darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) than the surrounding area. These color changes can take several months to fade, even after the eczema itself is under control, which is why most people seeking treatment want help with both the itch and the discoloration.
Causes of Eczema
In eczema, the skin barrier doesn’t work as well as it should. It has a harder time holding in moisture and keeping out irritants and allergens, so the skin dries out and becomes inflamed more easily. Genetics is always a factor in any skin condition, and eczema is no different.
Eczema often starts in childhood, and while many kids see it improve as they get older, it can continue into adulthood or even show up for the first time as an adult. Black children are more likely to develop eczema than white children, and their cases tend to be more severe.
The most common causes and triggers of eczema include:
Dry skin – skin that lacks moisture can become rough, tight, and cracked, which easily leads to a flare-up. Cold weather, low humidity, and long hot showers can all make it worse.
Irritants and allergens – scented soaps, laundry detergents, fragrances, wool, pollen, dust mites, and pet dander are known to set off eczema in many people.
Stress and sweat – emotional stress and heat can bring on the itch, and scratching only makes the skin more inflamed and more likely to darken.
Good ‘ole genetics – if someone in your family has eczema, asthma, or allergies, it is likely you may have it too.
The good news is that eczema is not contagious, and it can be managed. However, anyone wanting to reduce flare-ups and the discoloration they leave behind has many options and can access them through a dermatologist familiar with eczema in skin of color.
Avoiding Triggers for Eczema
Since eczema tends to come and go, avoiding things known to trigger flare-ups should be adhered to by anyone concerned about the itching and the dark or light patches that may adversely affect their confidence. Keeping the skin moisturized, especially right after bathing, is the number one thing people can do to protect the skin barrier. Using fragrance-free products and lukewarm water instead of hot water can also help. If flare-ups already exist, try not to scratch, since repeated scratching can lead to thickened skin and even more discoloration. Having a good skincare routine and sticking with it is another way to manage eczema and other skin conditions. Products and prescriptions provided by a licensed dermatologist should be used according to directions. Some treatments need to be monitored closely on darker skin, so it’s important to talk through the options with a provider who knows how to treat skin of color.
Contact Buckhead Dermatology today for an appointment!