According to Tanya Evans, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of the skin cancer program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, atopic dermatitis flare-ups don’t look the same for everyone, frequently appearing as bright red inflammation on lighter skin while showing up as much less obvious redness on darker skin.
Skin Color Changes and Tone Variations in Eczema Flares
Atopic dermatitis does not look identical for every patient. In people with lighter skin, inflammation often appears bright red, according to Dr. Evans. However, in darker skin, redness may be much less obvious. Studies indicate that individuals with deeper skin tones may experience underestimations regarding how severe their atopic dermatitis is, which can postpone appropriate medical identification and care while causing heightened post-flare skin darkening.
Rather than manifesting as a vivid red, inflammation in deeper skin tones frequently displays as violet, gray, deep brown, or purple hues, points out Dallas-based board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD. Because alterations in pigmentation can linger long past the resolution of inflammation, individuals with darker skin may miscalculate the past activity level of their condition, Dr. Evans observes. Daily moisturizing paired with consistent adherence to your treatment plan, she further notes, assists in repairing the skin barrier and consequently lowers the probability of subsequent flare-ups.
Did you know? Your skin doesn’t have to look inflamed to be inflamed. A persistent itch can sometimes begin long before any visible changes appear on your skin, according to Dr. Evans.
Skin Discoloration and Recovery After a Flare
Even after a flare subsides, changes in skin color can linger for weeks or months, according to Dr. Evans. In people with darker skin tones, these changes are often more noticeable than the eczema itself. Subsequent to the fading of inflammation, dark spots frequently emerge, whereas lighter areas can develop because the inflammatory response temporarily suppresses melanin creation, she clarifies.
Dr. Evans emphasizes that stopping inflammation early and keeping recurring flares at bay represents the most critical measure, given that every individual flare heightens the likelihood of permanent pigment shifts. To help your skin recover, moisturize regularly and wear sunscreen every day. UV exposure can make dark spots persist longer and can make light spots appear more pronounced, she notes.
Pro Tip: If you can’t stop touching itchy skin, try gently patting the area instead of scratching. Dr. Evans notes that this may help you relieve the itch while avoiding further damage to the skin barrier.
Handling Persistent Itching Without Damaging the Skin Barrier
A persistent itch can begin long before any visible changes appear on your skin, according to Dr. Evans. Individuals need to make every effort to refrain from rubbing or scratching the region despite how tempting it might feel, as this behavior can intensify the discoloration. Gentle patting offers an alternative to relieve the itch without causing further damage to the skin barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does atopic dermatitis always look bright red?
Following the resolution of inflammation, hyperpigmentation commonly appears as dark spots, whereas hypopigmentation or lighter spots may arise owing to a temporary decline in pigment synthesis caused by the inflammation, notes Dr. Evans. These changes can linger for weeks or months.
How can I protect my skin from lingering discoloration after a flare?
Dr. Evans recommends controlling the inflammation early and preventing recurrent flares, moisturizing regularly, and wearing sunscreen every day because UV exposure can make dark spots persist longer and can make light spots appear more pronounced.
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