How To Treat Skin Discoloration Due To Eczema

Most Melasma Treatments Are The Same But Its Harder To Get Rid Of

As mentioned above, melasma is difficult to treat. This is because, unlike traditional hyperpigmentation, which responds to a variety of over-the-counter products that contain brightening agents like vitamin C, kojic acid, niacinamide, hydroquinone, and azelaic acid, melasma hasnt seen the same rate of success or consistency.

Often what works for one person doesnt work for another, therefore, it is hard to pinpoint one treatment that is most effective for melasma, explains Shah. That said, she recommends a combination of sunscreen, brightening ingredients, and laser treatments, whereas, for basic hyperpigmentation, she typically uses chemical peels in place of lasers.

Marchbein echoes a similar plan of action when it comes to treating melasma. The treatments are virtually the same for hyperpigmentation, except lasers in lower energy can be helpful in treating melasma, she says. Marchbeins favorite is the Clear + Brilliant laser, which she explains uses low energy fractionated technology to improve melasma, sun damage, and skin texture. The only caveat? Multiple treatments will be needed on a monthly basis, and then every six months after that, to help maintain results.

Keep The Skin Moisturized

When youre treating hyperpigmentation, your main goal is to lighten any dark spots. You can find over-the-counter products with ingredients that will even your skin tone. However, you should also look for creams and potions that contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin to infuse the skin with moisture. A product that lightens the skin but also contains retinol is also ideal for prompting cell turnover and give you a healthy glow. Following your skin treatments with a moisturizer that replenishes the fat barrier of your skin and protects you from UV rays.

Explore Otc Whitening Options

The sooner you treat hyperpigmentation, the easier it will be to erase. The pigment in brown spots can move deeper into the skin over time, Dr. Downie explains.

Spot-eradicating ingredients to look for in OTC treatments include azelaic and glycolic acids, vitamin C, and retinoids, says the American Academy of Dermatology Association .

Treatments containing ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, and kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of skin-darkening melanin,” says Ni’Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist in New York City. Research published in 2017 in the Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry supports Wilsons advice, noting that the knowledge of the link between tyrosinase and excess melanin development has led to the rise of multiple OTC products with the aforementioned ingredients.

While many of these OTC ingredients have bleaching effects on dark spots, the AAD strongly cautions against applying liquid bleach to your skin. The group recommends sticking with products made in the United States, as some imported skin lightening products have been found to be contaminated with mercury, steroids, and other harmful ingredients.

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Eczema And Skin Discoloration

Eczema can cause changes in skin color even if you don’t have scars. Pigmentation can occur with inflammation or scratchingeven if it doesn’t break the skin. You might develop brown patches or thickening of your skin in the affected areas . Eczema can also cause white spots on your skin. Unlike scars, these changes go away with treatment.

How To Use A Product That Can Even Out Your Skin Tone

Once you eliminate whats causing the dark spots and protect your skin from sunlight, a product that can fade dark spots tends to be more effective.

You may have success with a product that you can buy without a prescription. If you choose this option, use a product that contains one of the following ingredients:

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Choice Of Topical Corticosteroid

There are different strengths of topical corticosteroids that can be prescribed depending on the severity of your eczema. Discoid eczema usually needs a stronger type of corticosteroid than other types of eczema.

You might be prescribed a cream to be used on visible areas, such as face and hands, and an ointment to be used at night or for more severe flare-ups.

Overproduction Of Melanin A Brown Pigment Leads To Hyperpigmentation

If youre bothered by dark spots due to hyperpigmentation on your skin, one thing is clear: Today there are more options for erasing that harmless but irksome discoloration than ever before.

What exactly is hyperpigmentation? Its any patch of skin that looks darker than your natural skin tone because the brown pigment melanin is being overproduced. Hyperpigmentation can be seen in liver spots and sunspots, as the Cleveland Clinic notes.

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Kojic Acid Is A Product Of Japanese Rice Alcohol Sake

How to treat hyperpigmentation from eczema. If not you should be fine with the triamcinolone alone. Vigilant moisturization is the mainstay of treatment of atopic dermatitis 1 and is also quite helpful in other forms of eczema. Its a vitamin A compound which helps the skin by increasing dermal elastic fibers boosting collagen production.

Gentle skin care is also recommended. Dry Skincare Routine Best Products for Dry Flaky Itchy Skin Atopic Dermatitis How to Treat ECZEMA-Atopic Dermatitis. Hyperpigmentation skincare eczemaThere are many videos of fixing hyperpigmentation eczema on the face and not many on the body when you can get it anywhe.

In order for all of those active ingredients to fully absorb and do. Cortisone creams topical corticosteroids used for the anti-inflammatory action against eczema offer another benefit in this case. However you should not be concerned about using a topical corticosteroid because of its potential depigmentation effect.

Hypopigmentation can typically be improved with a combination of lasers and microneedling with platelet-rich plasma PRP. Lightenex Body lotion by Pharmaclinix can reduce Eczema hyperpigmentation as it contains. Optimal Therapeutic Approach for this Disease Identify and treat the underlying disease.

It is a natural source of hydroquinone. You need to wash your face before putting a drop of product on your skin. Avoid extremely hot or extremely cold showersbaths Avoid fragrances perfumes colognes cleansers detergent etc.

What Is Postinflammatoryhyperpigmentation

Postinflammatory pigmentation is temporary pigmentation that follows injury or inflammatory disorder of the skin . It is mostly observed in darker skin types . Postinflammatory pigmentation is also called acquired melanosis.

More severe injury results in postinflammatory hypopigmentation, which is usually permanent.

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Which Skin Type Are You

Skin type is described by the Fitzpatrick classification , which determines the colour of skin by phototype, which depends on the amount of melanin pigment in the skin.

In this article we describe skin as lighter or darker.

Skin types: Fitzpatrick classification, adapted from:

Skin changes are caused either by active eczema or by scratching as a result of eczema itch. These changes can result in two types of pigmentary skin changes in eczema:

• HYPO-PIGMENTATION Loss of skin pigment or colour, usually seen as patches of skin that are lighter than overall skin tone.
• HYPER-PIGMENTATION Patches of skin becoming darker than the normal skin tone.

Hypo- and hyper-pigmentation are more visible in darker skin types but can occur in any skin type and can be concerning and distressing for anyone with eczema.

The main way of improving skin pigmentation changes is to treat the underlying eczema and inflammation. But discoloration can last for months or years, even after the eczema is treated.

Medical Conditions Or Medication

Hyperpigmentation can be caused by Addisons disease, an adrenal gland disorder that can increase melanin production. Certain drugs, including antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , and antimalarials may all increase the risk of hyperpigmentation, according to a book published by StatPearls in July 2022. Some chemotherapy drugs can also cause temporary hyperpigmentation, per the advocacy group Cancer Connect. In the case of chemotherapy drugs, associated dark spots usually resolve 10 to 12 weeks after treatment ends as new skin cells replace dead ones.

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How To Use Emollients

Use your emollient all the time, even if you are not experiencing symptoms as they can help limit the return of your condition. Many people find it helpful to keep separate supplies of emollients at work or school.

To apply the emollient:

• use a large amount
• don’t rub it in, smooth it into the skin in the same direction that the hair grows instead
• for very dry skin, apply the emollient every two to three hours
• after a bath or shower, gently dry the skin and then immediately apply the emollient while the skin is still moist

If you are exposed to irritants at work, make sure you apply emollients regularly during and after work.

Don’t share emollients with other people.

Eczema And Structural Inequality

African American and Hispanic children are more likely to develop severe or persistent eczema. While genetics play a part in the formation of eczema, environmental factors also have an effect.

A 2018 review found that structural racial inequality in the U.S. is likely to affect atopic dermatitis severity in African American children.

Indigenous and Latinx children may also be at a higher risk of developing severe or recurrent eczema due to structural racial inequality.

Researchers have found that social inequalities mean that these children are more likely to be from lower-income households and disproportionately live in areas with higher pollution levels. These are risk factors for developing severe atopic dermatitis.

Racial inequality in healthcare is also a contributing factor.

Since eczema may be more difficult for some physicians to diagnose in darker skin types, some doctors may underdiagnose the severity of eczema in people of color.

This means that people of color can be more likely to develop more severe eczema than people with lighter skin.

On darker skin, eczema can cause darker brown, purple, or gray patches. The affected areas may be swollen, warm, itchy, dry, or scaly. After a flare-up, the affected skin may look darker or lighter than the surrounding area.

Eczema can appear anywhere on the body. However, Black people can be more prone to papular lesions, which look like small bumps on the torso, arms, and legs.

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Keep Skin Moist To Boost Cell Turnover

While your primary goal with hyperpigmentation is to lighten the dark spots, an effective over-the-counter product should contain ingredients that benefit the skin in other ways. In addition to addressing the pigment issues, a good product will have moisturizing agents like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, and maybe even a retinol to boost cell turnover, says Doris Day, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Medical School in New York City and author of Beyond Beautiful: Using the Power of Your Mind and Aesthetic Breakthroughs to Look Naturally Young and Radiant. These inactive ingredients allow the active brighteners to work more effectively. A good moisturizer can also restore the skins lipid barrier, helping to further protect it from the suns damaging rays, notes Harvard Health.

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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor

• How can you tell that I have eczema on my penis?
• Is it safe for me to have sex?
• Is there a specific brand of moisturizer that you recommend?
• Should I see a dermatologist or another specialist?
• What soaps, lotions and other skin care products should I avoid?
• What medications do you recommend?
• What at-home treatments do you recommend?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

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Eczema And Different Skin Tones

Atopic dermatitis occurs in all ethnicities, and people of every skin color are affected. The changes in skin color seen in atopic dermatitis vary among different skin tones. The redness, or erythema, caused by atopic dermatitis is easily seen on white skin but may be harder to recognize on dark skin. Lichenification, the thickening of the skin that is caused by chronic scratching, appears differently on people depending on their skin tone. On white skin, lichenification may appear pink or red, while on dark skin, the lichenified areas may appear darker than the unaffected skin around them.2,3

How To Get Rid Of Eczema Scars

Unfortunately, scarring can occur as a result of having eczema. The red marks left behind by a particularly aggressive eczema flare up can be just as distressing as the flare up itself, especially if the eczema scarring is on our face.

So, why does eczema leave scars and is there anything we can do to avoid them? As difficult as it can be, the best thing we can do to avoid eczema scarring is to avoid scratching our skin. This is because repeated scratching of our eczema is one of the main reasons for scarring.

Here, we look at how eczema causes scarring, what eczema scars look like and some effective ways to lighten them. Plus, if youre looking for ways to naturally heal eczema scars, weve put together a list of home eczema care remedies for you to try.

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How Does Eczema And Skin Discolouration Look On Dark Skin

The redness that comes with eczema is only visible on light skin. On black and brown skin, the disease tends to take a dark brown, ashen grey or purple appearance. Nevertheless, the treatments used to manage eczema and discolouration are universal irrespective of the skin type.

Apart from the characteristic discolouration, the disease can also present symptoms that are unique to black skins. For example, in African Americans, small bumps on the arm, legs, torso and hair follicles have been observed. In contrast, such symptoms are rare in Caucasians.

Other unique symptoms in black-skinned eczema sufferers include extensive skin dryness as well as dark circles around the eyes. Lastly, upon resolution, the disease may leave dark-skinned individuals with a more significant change in pigmentation.

What Are The Signs

This type of hyperpigmentation can occur on any area of skin affected by inflammation, says Fishman, but especially those areas that receive sun exposure. These patches, which often appear after an eczema flare-up has resolved, may not go away for several months.

Common characteristics of eczema spots include:

• color that ranges from ashy gray to dark brown or deep purplish, depending on your natural skin tone
• dryness, scaliness, and itchiness on the discolored patches
• lichenification, or skin that becomes leathery as a result of frequent scratching and rubbing
• other general signs of eczema, including swelling of the skin, blistering, oozing, and crusting

Keep in mind, though, that not everyone with eczema experiences all of these symptoms, including hyperpigmentation.

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Skin Care For Facial Eczema

Moisturize. The best way to keep your skin from drying out is with thick creams and ointments , not with thinner lotions. The best time to do this is right after you wash your face. If ointments are too greasy for your face, try using them only at night.

Clean gently. Soap can irritate your skin, but washing with water alone may not be enough, especially if your face is oily. Use a gentle non-soap cleanser or a medical emollient instead. Pat dry with a soft towel.

Watch the temperature. Use only cool not hot water on your face, and for as little time as possible.

Skip makeup.Donât use cosmetics on irritated skin.

Long Term Issues With Eczema:

Once a childs eczema improves, it is still very important to continue with daily baths and daily thick, bland moisturizer. This will keep the skin as healthy as possible, making the eczema less severe.

Rough itchy patches may return and it is a good idea to have medications handy for flares that may come and go.Often, skin color changes may stay after rough eczema is gone. The color of the skin where the eczema was may be lighter or darker after the eczema has cleared. These color changes or footprints will resolve over time and do not improve faster by putting topical medications on them. Medications should only go on rough, thick, itchy, or red patches of eczema. Continuing to use moisturizer on the footprints several times a day may help prevent new, itchy patches and footprints from forming.

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Why Do Dark Spots Form

After an eczema flare-up, its common for dark spots to be left behind, especially for patients with darker skin types. Once the eczema clears, melanin cells in the affected patches of skin experience hypopigmentation, an increase in skin pigmentation production. The pigment forming skin cells in darker skin tones are highly sensitive to inflammation. These inflammatory factors turn on increased pigment production and the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation causes lichenification and dark spots that can last weeks to months. Sometimes, these dark spots can look similar to acne scars. However, treatment is different for dark spots and eczema scars caused by atopic eczema than for those caused by acne and other skin conditions. Its important to talk to your healthcare provider about what is causing your dark spots.

Important Safety Information And Indication

CIBINQO may cause serious side effects, including:

Serious infections. CIBINQO can lower your immune systemâs ability to fight infections. Do not start CIBINQO if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. Serious infections, including tuberculosis and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body, have occurred in people taking CIBINQO or other similar medicines. Some people have died from these infections. Your risk of developing shingles may increase while taking CIBINQO.

Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before treatment with CIBINQO and monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB infection during treatment.

Before and after starting CIBINQO, tell your doctor right away if you have an infection, are being treated for one, or have symptoms of an infection, including:

• fever, sweating, or chills
• burning when you urinate or urinating more often than usual
• feeling very tired

CIBINQO can make you more likely to get infections or worsen infections you have.

There is an increased risk of death in people 50 years and older who have at least one heart disease risk factor and are taking a Janus kinase inhibitor .

There is an increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in people 50 years and older who have at least one heart disease risk factor and are taking a JAK inhibitor, especially for current or past smokers.

What is CIBINQO?

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