Eczema on black skin is a condition that causes inflammation and itchy and dry patches on the skin. The National Eczema Association states that 10% of black people suffer from eczema. Genetic and environmental factors like high temperatures, fast food consumption, and airborne irritants trigger it.
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Eczema affects your appearance, which can lead to embarrassment, particularly in social situations. That said, you can receive treatment for the condition that’ll help you to manage it. In this post, we look closely at eczema on black skin.
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Types of Eczema
There are different forms of eczema and each affects the skin differently. In this section, we’ll go through the various types and how it affects black skin.
Atopic dermatisis (AD)
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema on black skin. It’s symbolized by itchy, dry and inflammation on the skin. Children are more likely to develop it but it can get milder with age. This condition also puts you at risk of developing asthma, hay fever, and food allergies.
You’re likely to get AD when the protective components of your skin weaken. It could also be triggered by dry skin, genes, immune system and environmental factors.
Symptoms of AD include:
- Itchiness.
- Thick skin.
- Bumps on the skin.
- Skin rash in the knee and elbows.
- Crusting and oozing on the skin.
- The skin around the eyes darkens.
If you have this condition, you can prevent flare-ups by
- Apply sufficient lotion to your skin.
- Use warm water during showers.
- Use a cleanser that isn’t soapy.
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Papular Eczema
This is another type of eczema on black skin. It leads to tiny, itchy bumps on the skin that tend to appear on the legs, arms and stomach. It also causes cracking of the skin, dry skin, and itching.
One of the problems that leads to the development of Papular eczema is a defection of a gene called filaggrin. Flaggrin offers a protective barrier in the skin; a wrong mutation can trigger this condition. Other causes of Papular eczema include environmental irritants and deficiencies in the immune system.
There’s no cure for papular eczema. All you can do is manage it in several ways.
- Moisturize your skin regularly.
- Use lukewarm water when showering.
- Keeping your skin clean.
- Use products that don’t have fragrance and dye.
- Prescription creams.
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Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by blisters on the feet, hands, toes and fingers. It’s common in people with another type of eczema or those predisposed to the condition through a genetic component. Experts don’t know what causes dyshidrotic eczema.
The condition is mostly found among people between the ages of 20 and 40. Once present, exposure to detergents, hot weather and jobs that expose you to heat, aggravate the situation.
To manage this condition:
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- Use creams that contain ceramides, an ingredient that will moisturize and strengthen the skin’s protective layer.
- Moisturize your skin when you come into contact with triggers.
- Use a cleanser that doesn’t cause further irritation.
- Avoid things that can cause accidental scratching of the skin.
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Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis presents as itchy red patches, yellow crusty and powder flakes on the skin. These symptoms commonly appear on the face, forehead, eyes, ears, chest, upper back, arms, and legs.
Although the exact cause of this condition isn’t known, you’re more likely to develop it if:
- You have oily skin.
- Family history of psoriasis.
- Inflammatory reaction.
- Applying lotions with alcohol.
- The overgrow of Malassezia.
Treatment of this type of eczema depends on where it develops. The aim is to reduce its visibility and the constant itching. You can apply antifungal gels, creams and lotion and also use pills.
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Contact Dermatitis
This type of eczema on black skin is triggered by coming into contact with something that irritates your skin. This includes allergic reactions that can be triggered by wearing jewels, perfumes or more and irritants like detergents.
It shows as a rash on the skin, tiny, pimple-like inflammations or flaky skin. These can show up anywhere on the body from the face, hands, legs and genitals.
Contact dermatitis can affect anyone but some people are more prone than others because of their professions. These include artists, hairstylists and janitors, among others.
The best way of avoiding contact dermatitis is to do away with the irritants. If you realize that using certain products causes a rash, change them. You can also use medication like creams and gels. If things get worse, like you develop a big swelling or persistent irritation, see a doctor.
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Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis makes the skin inflamed and itchy. It appears as a patch and shows up in different parts of the skin, from the neck, shoulders, ankles and hands. It’s quite visible as it’s thicker than the surrounding skin, darker, and feels like leather.
The exact cause of the condition isn’t known but possible causes include:
- Anxiety
- Dry skin
- Insect bites
- Extreme stress
- Wearing tight clothing
This type of eczema on black skin isn’t contagious but can interfere with your normal routines. You can control neurodermatitis using the following treatments:
- Skin cream
- Moisturizer
- An antihistamine
- Soak yourself in a cool bath with the recommended oils.
Eczema on black skin causes discomfort as it interferes with how you dress, your physical appearance, and your confidence. Fortunately, most of these conditions can be treated at home with over-the-counter medication. That said always consult a dermatologist.
Please note that the information provided here shouldn’t be substituted for medical advice. This article is solely for educational purposes.
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