Summer is approaching and we are not letting eczema prevent us from living our best life. We are outside this summer, okay! Eczema can be unpredictable, uncomfortable and unwanted, but with the right guidance and proper treatment, we can for sure live it up this summer.
Eczema is a type of dermatitis (skin inflammation). It is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, itchy, and bumpy. Eczema can appear anywhere on the body. This condition is very common in young children but it can occur at any given age.
Let’s dive in. The environment that Black individuals live in plays a vital part in the formation of eczema on Black skin. Let’s talk about social inequality for a minute. Black individuals are more likely to live in lower-income households and disproportionately live in areas with much higher pollution levels. This is a main risk factor for developing eczema. Genetics and family health history (those who have a history of atopic dermatitis or other atopic diseases like asthma and allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever) also play a part in the formation of eczema on Black skin.
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Eczema as it pertains to Black individuals can be more prone to papular lesions (they look like small bumps/goosebumps) on the skin, and are more likely to develop lesions on the extensor surfaces (skin surfaces on the outside of a joint) for instance, the front of the knee, back of the elbow and the forearm.
What eczema looks like as it pertains to Black individuals:
- Patches and/or rashes that are purple, brown or gray
- Hyperpigmentation(darker than your skin tone)
- Hypopigmentation(lighter than your skin tone)
Due to what eczema looks like on Black skin, this may lead to an underdiagnosis (failure to recognize or correctly diagnose a condition in a significant number of patients) or even a misdiagnosis (an incorrect diagnosis of a condition or illness). This is why it’s so important to find a culturally sensitive dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin conditions) who is experienced in diagnosing and treating Black individuals. If you're in need of a culturally sensitive dermatologist, use our free doctor search, here.
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Some other symptoms to be aware of as they pertain to Black individuals:
- Dry, cracked skin
- Darkening of the skin around the eyes
- Raw, very sensitive areas on the skin
- Inflammation/swollen areas that are affected
- Itchiness
- Oozing and crusting
Also, be mindful of triggers that are quite common and may also lead to eczema flare-ups. Some triggers include:
- Stress
- Hormone changes
- Jewelry made of nickel
- Strong fragrances
- Allergens
- Sweating
- Weather(humidity, dry air, cold weather)
Eczema flare-ups are unpredictable and unpleasant, to say the least. So it’s best to always take precautions. This way, you're always ahead of the game.
Try these five tips to prevent summer flare-ups:
- Wearing breathable/loose-fitting clothing, cotton or linen garments are best for summer apparel.
- Stay hydrated, so that your skin doesn't react to excessive heat. Carry your water bottle with you this summer and eat hydrating foods, like cucumber, watermelon, celery and cabbage.
- Stay cool, when temperatures are hot, blood vessels dilate in an attempt to cool you off, and this can trigger inflammatory cells. Be sure to wear a summer hat, use sunscreen and take breaks indoors or in a shaded area.
- Try Phototherapy/light therapy, this is a non-invasive treatment that reduces itching and inflammation by exposing skin to specific forms of UV light.
- Try moisturizers and/or prescribed steroid creams that are beneficial to black skin. Aveeno, Aquaphor, and CeraVe to name a few.
These tips are sure to bring you some ease and comfort in knowing that you can be your best self this summer.
