Can Black People Get Eczema

Types Of Eczema Commonly Found In Older Adults

There are many different types of eczema so its important to know your type so that you can avoid the triggers and heal the skin. Here are the most common types of eczema in older adults:

Asteatotic Eczema

Common in adults over the age of 60, this type of eczema appears as fissures or grooves that are pink and red, affecting the superficial layers of skin. Its usually found on the legs but can be found on the upper arms, thighs and lower back. Other symptoms include soreness and itchiness.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is temporary and occurs when your skin is exposed to an irritant such as chemicals in a cleaning product or laundry detergent.

Venous Eczema

Venous Eczema mostly shows up on the lower legs in the form of itchy, red and scaly patches. Older adults who have a high body mass index or a family history of varicose veins are most susceptible.

Nummular Eczema

Nummular eczema is characterized by coin-shaped scores on the skin. These sores may be open and are very itchy. The lesions may also be dry or weeping.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic eczema tends to appear on areas of the body where there are a lot of oil-producing glands . It appears as red, greasy or swollen skin with white or yellow crusty flakes. While people of any age can develop seborrheic dermatitis, people with certain diseases such as Parkinsons Disease are believed to be at an increased risk.

When To Get Medical Advice

See a GP if you have symptoms of varicose eczema. Your doctor will often be able to make a diagnosis simply by looking at your skin.

A GP will also ask you questions to determine whether you have a problem with the flow of blood in your leg veins, as this is the main cause of varicose eczema.

To help make a diagnosis, a GP may want to know if you have ever had health conditions such as:

• varicose veins swollen and enlarged veins
• DVT a blood clot in the veins of your legs
• leg ulcers areas of damaged skin that take several weeks to heal
• cellulitis an infection of the deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissue
• surgery or injury to your legs

A GP may also check the pulse in your feet and may do an ankle brachial pressure index test to see if compression stockings are suitable for you.

The ABPI test involves comparing blood pressure readings taken from your ankles and upper arms. A significant difference in the readings suggests a problem with the flow of blood in your arteries in which case, compression stockings may not be safe to use.

An Ambitious New Collaboration May Help The Cause

One larger-scale effort is Project Impact, launched in February 2021 by a company called VisualDx in collaboration with the Skin of Color Society and the New England Journal of Medicine Group. The goal of Project Impact is to raise awareness about misdiagnosis and share resources and strategies that help physicians more accurately diagnose disease in Black and brown skin.

Were focused on all kinds of bias racial and gender bias and the reasons doctors make mistakes, says Art Papier, MD, a dermatologist at the University of Rochester in New York and the founder of VisualDx. The company makes desktop and mobile apps for physicians that help them recognize skin-symptom patterns in patients across a range of skin colors with an assist from AI .

The apps rely on VisualDxs extensive library of images. A University of Connecticut study published in June 2020 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology surveyed more than 15,000 images of skin conditions across six printed textbooks and two online resources, and found that VisualDxs image library had the highest percentage of dark skin images compared with six printed textbooks and two web sources .

The key to good AI is good data, says Dr. Papier. Weve been very purposeful since the inception of our company to collect imagery from people of all skin tones.

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Differences Between Ad In Adults And Children

Even if you had AD as a child, your skin can look and feel differently when you have AD as an adult. Thats actually one of the most striking differences between AD in adults and AD in children.

In adults, the skin tends to be extremely dry and scaly where the AD appears.

If youve had AD for years, patches of your skin may be thick, leathery, and darker than the surrounding skin. Years of scratching causes this. The thickened skin can itch all the time.

Adults also tend to get AD on different parts of their bodies than do children. When an adult has AD, its most likely to form in one or more of these areas:

• Backs of the knees

• Back of the neck

• Face

Adults, unlike children, often have AD around their eyes. Youll often see thickened, darker skin circling the eyes, as shown in the picture on this page. The skin around the eyes also tends to be very itchy.

Eczema Coping Tips Reducing Skin Irritation

People with eczema have sensitive skin. Irritants such as heat or detergents can easily trigger a bout of eczema.Suggestions for reducing skin irritation include:

• Avoid overheating your skin. Wear several layers of clothing that you can remove, as required, instead of one heavy layer. Dont put too many blankets on your bed and avoid doonas.
• Dont use perfumed bubble bath or bath products labelled medicated.
• Wear soft, smooth materials next to your skin, preferably 100% cotton. Avoid scratchy materials, such as pure wool, polyester or acrylic. You could try a cotton and synthetic mix material this is fine for some people with eczema. Remove labels from clothing.
• Always wear protective gloves when using any type of chemical or detergent. You may want to wear cotton gloves inside rubber or PVC gloves.
• Avoid chlorinated pools. If you have to swim in a chlorinated pool, moisturise your skin well when you get out.

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Eczema Coping Tips Good Hygiene

Skin affected by eczema is more vulnerable to a range of infections, including impetigo, cold sores and warts. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus may cause a secondary infection of impetigo, and possibly contribute to the symptoms of eczema.Suggestions for washing include:

• Take lukewarm baths or showers, and avoid really hot showers.
• Dont use ordinary soap, as the ingredients may aggravate your eczema. Wash your body with warm water alone. For armpits and groin, use soap-free products, such as sorbolene cream.
• Bath oils can help to moisturise your skin while bathing.
• When towelling dry, pat rather than rub your skin.

Why Do African American Kids Have Higher Rates Of Eczema

Although African American adults are slightly less likely to have eczema compared to people of other races, 20% of Black children have eczema, which is almost double the rate found in white, Asian, Native American, and Hispanic children.

Experts are still determining the exact factors that contribute to these numbers, and theyre learning more all the time. Recent studies have shown exposure to irritants, both indoor and outdoor, can lead to higher cases of eczema. African Americans tend to live in heavily urban settings with irritants and allergens such as pollution, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, harsh water, dust, mold, and more. These triggers can leave one with a compromised immune system and make people susceptible to eczemaand often, more severe cases of it.

Additionally, new research analyzing genetic factors of eczema is finding certain mutations affecting the skin barrier cells and skin immune cells can be passed down through families, and these mutations are more common in some ethnic groups, like people of African descent, compared to others.

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Whats The Difference Between Dermatitis And Psoriasis

Psoriasis and dermatitis especially seborrheic dermatitis can look similar. Both look like patches of red skin with flakes of skin on top of and around the redness. However, in psoriasis, the scales are often thicker and the edges of those scales are well-defined.

Seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis do overlap in a condition called sebopsoriasis. That is when you have the symptoms of both.

Discuss your questions with your healthcare provider regarding which type of skin condition you have. You can have more than one skin condition at a time. Treatments for one may not work for the other.

How To Manage Your Scalp Eczema

My first experience with eczema came in 2012 when my son was born. I watched this little person scratch his joints, wrists, legs and arms and after countless doctor appointments and trying a ton of stuff on the market, I finally think we have the one thing that will work for his skin, as long as his eczema persists.

It is an oil based ointment, with great oils* and butters* that we all know and love, like Shea butter*, jojoba oil* and a whole host of all natural ingredients. His skin isnt perfect, but it is much better and we have not had to use his prescribed medication as much we used to. If you do not know what eczema is, the simplest definition is that it is a skin based disease that causes dry patchy, often red areas on the skin that itch like crazy.

Typically when you have eczema, or even if you suspect that you do, it is recommended that you see a doctor or dermatologist where you may get prescribed medication if it is determined that eczema is indeed what you have.

Your scalp is an extension of your skin, so it is common for you to have eczema on your scalp which can be annoying to say the least. Scalp eczema has a number of characteristics:

Red and scaly scalp

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What Does Psoriasis Look Like On Black Skin

Around 125 million people worldwide have psoriasis. A 2014 study involving more than 6,000 people found that the prevalence of psoriasis was about 1.9 percent in Black participants and 3.6 percent in white participants. But psoriasis rates among Black folks may be even higher IRL.

Psoriasis can be easy to spot on white skin. It shows up as pink or red lesions with silvery scales. But on Black skin, lesions tend to be purple or violet with gray scales. This might make the condition harder to diagnose.

PSA: According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, people with darker skin receive incorrect diagnoses or go undiagnosed with psoriasis more often than light-skinned people.

Anyone can have psoriasis. It isnt exclusive to one ethnic group or age group. But symptoms can vary based on your skin type and tone.

Heres how the most common forms of psoriasis appear on Black skin.

Causes Of Varicose Eczema

Varicose eczema is usually caused by increased pressure in the leg veins.

When small valves in the veins stop working properly, it’s difficult for blood to be pushed upwards against gravity and it can leak backwards.

This increases the pressure in the veins, which can cause fluid to leak into the surrounding tissue. It’s thought that varicose eczema may develop as a result of the immune system reacting to this fluid.

Varicose eczema is more common in people with varicose veins, as these are also often a sign that the leg veins are not working properly.

Some people develop the condition for no obvious reason, although there are some factors that increase the chance of this happening, including:

• gender varicose eczema is more common in women
• obesity this can increase the pressure in your leg veins
• pregnancy this can also increase the pressure in your leg veins
• not being able to move for a long period of time this can affect the circulation of blood in your leg veins
• having previously had DVT blood clots that develop in leg veins which can damage the valves in your veins
• increasing age people generally find it harder to move about as they get older, which can affect their circulation

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Emollients For Treating Eczema

Emollient creams add moisture to the skin. Apply moisturisers each day to clean, dry skin. It is especially important to moisturise after showering and bathing, and when living or working in an air-conditioned or heated environment. You may need to try several different brands until you find the emollient that works best for you. Ask your doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist for advice.

Can I Drink Coffee And Tea If I Have Eczema

FAQ: Do I have to give up coffee and tea while Im on The Eczema Diet and if so, what are the eczema-friendly alternatives?

People often ask eczema nutritionist and author Karen Fischer Do I have to give up coffee and tea while on The Eczema Diet or Eczema Detox programs?. She says, yes but don’t worry there are healthier alternatives.

So how do you get your coffee fix without an eczema flare-up?

Karen says While coffee and tea are rich in salicylates and caffeine, an eczema-friendly alternative is decaffeinated coffee without dairy. Favour organic decaf . It tastes the same but without the itch-promoting chemicals.”

If you want your decaffeinated coffee with a non-dairy alternative, eczema sufferers can choose organic soy milk , Ideally, choose refrigerated soy milk over long life soy milk and most importantly ensure it says organic whole soybean so there are no soy isolates or flavourings – soy isolate is the poor quality soy which can contain aluminium.

Organic rice oat or cashew milk is also ok. And if you like it black- use filtered water as tap water contains chlorine which can exacerbate eczema.

Tea time and eczema

What is an eczema safe substitute for tea?

The Eczema Diet and Eczema detox books feature Choco Milk which can be served hot or cold. Simply combine ½ teaspoon of carob powder, 1½ cups of dairy free milk and 1 teaspoon of rice malt syrup if you desire some form of sweetener.

Enjoying an eczema-friendly cuppa and a biscuit…

New Anzac Cookies

METHOD

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How People Of Color Can Reduce Their Skin Cancer Risk

Dermatologists in the United States tell their patients with skin of color to reduce their risk of getting skin cancer by doing the following:

Skin of color: How to prevent and detect skin cancer

Although people of color have a lower risk of developing skin cancer than Caucasians, when skin cancer develops in people of color, it is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage making it more difficult to treat.

Follow these tips from dermatologists to protect your skin from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Is Your Favorite Morning Beverage Causing Eczema

Does Caffeine Cause Eczema

Who doesn?t love their morning cup of caffeine? Coffee and tea consumption have become a significant part of American society. The cafe culture is a multi-billion dollar industry. This isn?t anything new?many civilizations for centuries have worshiped them too. But do these beloved brews contribute to eczema?

This is a question I?ve had to tackle for years in my practice with patients and for myself. Like any issues related to food or root causes of eczema- it?s a matter of individuality and how it?s affecting the inflammatory process in your body.

Personally, I love both tea and coffee for different reasons- I?ve been a lifelong tea drinker , but in my early 30?s I discovered coffee. I?d always loved the smell, but didn?t care for the taste. But as I began changing my diet to be cleaner and gravitated to Paleo/Primal, my taste buds changed.

Suddenly, I really liked coffee. I enjoyed the slight bitterness, dark chocolate, and fruity notes, much like a good wine. I hear this from patients too- they report liking bitter things such as coffee and really dark chocolate as they lose the taste for sugar.

I can drink it black, but I really love a warm cup of joe with grassfed butter and coconut oil in the morning. That?s heavenly for me!

I get it. The thought of giving up my tasty, warm beverages gave me slight panic too.

How do Coffee and Tea Cause Eczema

Eczema Healing Tea

Ingredients

Instructions

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What If Its Not Psoriasis

Psoriasis is sometimes mistaken for other skin conditions. Heres what they usually look like on dark skin:

• Eczema. This common condition is known for reddish, raised lesions. You also might have purple, dark brown, or gray patches.
• Lichen planus. This autoimmune condition can cause white lesions or purplish bumps. In some cases it can appear inside your mouth.
• Fungal skin infections. These can happen when the fungus among us infects your skin. This type of infection can make your skin itch, burn, or crack.
• Cutaneous lupus erythematosus. This chronic autoimmune condition affects about two-thirds of folks with lupus. It can cause discolored patches on your skin.