Skin of Color Eczema on the Face: Photos, Symptoms, Causes, and Further Details
Eczema, a common condition that causes patches of inflamed, dry skin, can affect anyone, including those with darker skin tones. While the appearance of eczema may differ between skin tones, the management and prevention strategies share many similarities.
Recognizing Facial Eczema in Darker Skin
In infants, the first sign of eczema may appear around the cheeks and then spread to the mouth and other areas of the body. In people with darker skin tones, eczema on the face often shows as darker, non-red discoloration with rough, thickened patches. Common appearances include dark brown, purple, or gray discoloration, dry, scaly patches, small bumps and rough patches, swollen, warm skin, and blisters that may ooze or crust. Itching and scratch marks, especially around sensitive facial areas like eyes, ears, and cheeks, are also common [1][5].
Common Causes and Triggers
Common causes of facial eczema in darker skin include stress, allergies, use of irritating skincare or cosmetic products, and environmental factors such as pollution and UV radiation that dry skin and damage the skin barrier [2]. Other triggers may include exposure to smoke, pet dander, or chemicals, and contact with specific materials.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent flare-ups, a doctor may recommend using topical calcineurin inhibitors. For treatment, thick creams and emollients should be used regularly to hydrate and restore the skin barrier. It's essential to avoid products with dyes, fragrances, or harsh ingredients that can irritate sensitive facial skin. Abrasive exfoliants or harsh scrubs should also be avoided. Managing stress levels, keeping showers short, using lukewarm water, and wearing breathable natural fabrics can also help [3][5][4].
When managing facial eczema, it's crucial to consult a dermatologist familiar with skin of color to tailor treatments and avoid side effects like hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation, especially when using topical steroids. Minimizing the number of facial products used, protecting the face from environmental exposure, and treating co-occurring facial conditions that may exacerbate eczema symptoms can also be beneficial [2].
Global Prevalence and Impact
Eczema affects more than 31 million Americans, and a significant portion of those affected in the United States are of African American descent. Globally, eczema most commonly affects people living in Africa and Oceania [1].
In Conclusion
Managing facial eczema in people with darker skin tones requires a careful approach to prevent pigmentation changes and address the unique sensitivity and visibility concerns of facial skin. Dermatologist guidance is essential for optimal management in these cases. With the right care and prevention strategies, it's possible to effectively manage facial eczema and maintain healthy, comfortable skin.
[1] https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/dark-skin-tone [2] https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/face [3] https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/skin-of-color [4] https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/treatment [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6184043/
- Darker skin tones may display eczema differently, usually presenting as darker, non-red discoloration with rough, thickened patches, such as dark brown, purple, or gray discoloration, dry, scaly patches, small bumps, and swollen, warm skin.
- common causes of facial eczema in individuals with darker skin include stress, allergies, use of irritating skincare or cosmetic products, environmental factors, exposure to smoke, pet dander, chemicals, and specific materials.
- To prevent flare-ups and maintain healthy, comfortable skin, a doctor may recommend using topical calcineurin inhibitors and adopting measures such as using thick creams and emollients, avoiding products with dyes, fragrances, or harsh ingredients, minimizing facial products, protecting the face from environmental exposure, and treating co-occurring facial conditions.
- It's essential to consult a dermatologist familiar with skin of color to establish tailored treatments and avoid side effects like hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation, especially when using topical steroids.
- Eczema affects more than 31 million Americans, with a significant portion belonging to African American descent, while globally, the condition is most prevalent in people living in Africa and Oceania.
- By following a careful approach to manage facial eczema, addressing unique sensitivity and visibility concerns of facial skin, and leveraging dermatologist guidance, it's possible for those with darker skin tones to effectively treat and prevent eczema, leading to overall health and wellness in skin care and health management.
