places regularly exposed to the sun.
Eczema-related hyperpigmentation might manifest as little pimples, papules, or more severe lesions. However, the more severe the inflammation, the more noticeable the hyperpigmented area is going to be. The sun may aggravate its symptoms by darkening the afflicted regions and extending the time it takes for them to disappear.
Understanding How Different Skin Types Are Affected
Skin type affects eczema symptoms. On lighter skin, the pattern is inflamed, red or dark pink areas with dry, itchy skin that oozes with small vesicles in severe flares (blisters). On darker skin, inflammation is shown as hyperpigmentation and is more modest; therefore, redness is frequently not observed. Consequently, eczema’s severity is often underestimated. Sometimes healthcare providers don’t initially recognize the severity of hyperpigmentation in children of color.
Post-inflammatory hypo-and hyper-pigmentation may take months to cure in people with darker skin, and the discoloration can often be more concerning than the eczema itself. The scarring is harder to eliminate because it becomes a cycle within itself if the medication is not applied precisely how it states. The hyperpigmentation starts dwindling because the irritation is not present, and you’re not scratching as much to cause inflammation; but, as soon as there is a flare-up, it’s like starting all over with trying to treat the hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation in eczema is induced by inflammation, which encourages melanocytes to enhance melanin production (the process of making skin pigment). Increased production transfers pigment to the epidermis (the top layer of the skin). Scratching or scraping the melanin releases pigment so darker skin types have hyperpigmented patches during eczema flares. Follicular prominence is another characteristic of darker eczema—this kind of eczema shows as tiny, itchy pimples on the trunk and forearms.
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Natural Home Remedies For Adults
Natural remedies may relieve eczema’s itchy skin and may manage eczema to prevent flare-ups. Creams, natural products, diet, and lifestyle changes may also manage or prevent eczema outbreaks, especially in winter.
- Aloe gel. Dry, cracked skin is more prone to skin infections, which the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties in Aloe gel help prevent while soothing and mending injured skin.
- Apple Cider Vinegar. Vinegar contains a decent amount of acid in it. The skin is naturally acidic, but people with eczema may have less acidic skin than others, weakening the skin’s defenses. Apple cider vinegar that has been diluted could help balance the skin’s acidity.
- Colloidal Oatmeal. Prior research found that colloidal oatmeal moisturizer helped repair skin.
- Baths. Bathing helps eczema by moisturizing the skin, and a person with eczema requires more moisture since their skin’s outer layer isn’t working correctly. Moisturize 3 minutes after showering, so you retain as much moisture as possible when you use an oil-based moisturizer.
- Coconut Oil. Coconut oil’s fatty acids may moisturize dry skin and eczema. Virgin coconut oil can protect the skin by reducing inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier.
- Honey. People have used honey to treat wounds for generations since it’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Honey helps heal wounds and boosts the immune system, which fights infections.
- Gentle Soaps & Detergents. Harsh chemicals in some laundry detergent can make eczema worse. Many body washes and cleansers have detergents in them, which help them foam up like soap. People with eczema are more likely to get dry skin from detergents and other things that make foam.
- Prescribed Medications. Make sure that when your healthcare provider prescribes eczema medication, you properly apply it to get the best treatment results.
Natural Home Remedies For Babies & Kids
Most home remedies are acceptable for babies and children; but always speak with a trusted healthcare provider before using. The following may help:
- Don’t overdress a baby. Sweating might make eczema or heat rash itchier.
- Use mittens to avoid baby scratching.
- Apply a mild moisturizer often, avoiding the eyes and nose.
- Don’t cover a baby’s face with a scarf; infant car seat coverings are helpful. Check the baby’s airflow regularly.
- Consult a doctor before washing a baby with apple cider vinegar.
- Children may take colloidal oatmeal baths but keep the water away from their eyes.
- Avoid over-bathing babies. Most babies require baths once or twice a week unless clearly dirty. Less bathing may avoid dry skin.
- Use baby wipes without scent or alcohol and calming components like aloe vera— sensitive skin wipes.
- Use eczema-safe baby shampoos. Look for “tear-free” eczema washes and avoid the child’s eyes.