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Fortunately, once the eczema is controlled, the skin color typically returns to normal.
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In some patients, this color change is more bothersome than the original eczema itself. The healed skin may look darker or lighter than the surrounding normal skin, such as hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation. People who repeatedly rub and scratch the eczema-prone areas may develop skin thickening and firm, raised bumps on the skin called prurigo nodules.įollowing resolution of eczema, darker-skinned patients experience a greater rate of pigmentary changes. Sometimes, bumps develop around hair follicles and resemble goosebumps (this is known as follicular accentuation).īlack Americans also tend to have more extensive skin dryness and dark circles around their eyes. Black Americans more commonly develop small bumps on the torso, arms and legs (called papular eczema). The itching due to eczema has been shown to have a greater impact in Black patients, who are also more likely to have severe disease.īeyond differences in severity, skin color and symptoms of eczema, unique forms of atopic dermatitis may be seen in darker skin tones. Lichenification is also one of the eczema symptoms that may appear differently in darker skin tones. In the absence of characteristic redness, skin swelling, warmth, dryness/scaling or itching and oozing may help patients and physicians confirm the diagnosis. Eczema flare-ups tends to look darker brown, purple or ashen grey in color. However, in dark skin, including brown skin, dark brown skin, Black skin, and other darker skin tones this redness may be difficult to see. Most people think of eczema as a red, dry, and itchy rash – how it appears in light skin. What does eczema look like in darker skin? dust, mold) are at greater risk of developing atopic dermatitis. In addition, people who live in an urban setting or are exposed to certain environmental allergens (i.e. These mutations also tend to occur more often in some ethnic groups compared to others, which may help explain differences in the frequency and severity of eczema between people who identify as white, Black, Asian, Hispanic and others. This is because certain genetic mutations that affect the skin barrier cells and skin immune cells are passed from generation to generation. Typically, those with a family history of atopic dermatitis or other atopic diseases (asthma, hay fever) are more likely to have the condition. Genetic and environmental factors influence one’s risk of developing atopic dermatitis. Why are certain ethnic groups at greater risk for eczema?
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