Eczema/dry skin is a pain it makes you feel self conscious uncomfortable and can stop you from enjoying great occasions. Plus in Black Skin it looks worse than majority of others.
Black and ethnic minority people are known to develop more severe forms of eczema. On darker skin, eczema can cause darker brown, purple, or gray patches. The affected areas may be swollen, warm, itchy, and dry or scaly.
Numerous studies have proven that eczema is more prevalent in black skin.
Studies done in the U.S. show that, 20.2% of African American children in the United States have some form of eczema. That is compared with 13% of Asian and 12.1% of white.
Why are ethic minority groups more likely to suffer from Eczema?
Genetic and environmental factors influence one’s risk of developing atopic dermatitis. Typically, those with a family history of atopic dermatitis or other atopic diseases (asthma, hay fever) are more likely to have the condition.
This is because certain genetic mutations that affect the skin barrier cells and skin immune cells are passed from generation to generation. These mutations also tend to occur more often in some ethnic groups compared to others, which may help explain differences in the frequency and severity of eczema between White, Black, Asian and other ethnic groups.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is an umbrella term that describes several common skin conditions that affect people with any skin tone.
Conditions include:
- atopic dermatitis
- contact dermatitis
- dyshidrotic eczema
- nummular eczema
- stasis dermatitis
Each one of these forms of eczema can cause the skin to become dry, itchy, and inflamed.
People with one form of the condition can also develop other types. As many of you know eczema tends to go and come back. Meaning you can have periods of time in which you experience no symptoms followed by periods where the symptoms flare up.
Eczema can appear anywhere on the body, but black people are more prone to developing small bumps on the torso, arms, and legs. This is called papular eczema, and it may resemble permanent goosebumps.
What causes Eczema?
Eczema is likely to be caused by a combination of things.
- Diet
- Stress & anxiety
- Temperature changes
- Pet/plant allergies
- Skincare/cosmetic ingredients
- Hormones
- Tight clothing
- Dry skin
Treating Eczema
A good place to start is with a cream that can control itching and help repair the skin.
Your GP may recommend drugs to fight infection and may prescribe an antibiotic cream if your skin has a bacterial infection, an open sore or cracks.
Home remedies
To help reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin, try these self-care measures:
- Moisturize your skin at least twice a day. Find a product or combination of products that works for you.
- Apply an anti-itch cream to the affected area.
- Take an oral allergy or anti-itch medication.
- Don't scratch. Rather than scratching when you itch, try pressing on the skin.
- For children, it might help to trim their nails and have them wear gloves at night.
- Apply bandages. Covering the affected area with bandages helps protect the skin and prevent scratching.
- Take a warm bath. Sprinkle the bath water with baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then pat dry. Apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp.
- Choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes.
- Use a humidifier. Hot, dry indoor air can parch sensitive skin and worsen itching and flaking.
- Wear cool, smooth-textured clothing. Reduce irritation by avoiding clothing that's rough, tight or scratchy. Also, wear appropriate clothing in hot weather or during exercise to prevent excessive sweating.
- Treat stress and anxiety. Stress and other emotional disorders can worsen atopic dermatitis. Acknowledging those and trying to improve your emotional health can help.
Eczema is something personally I have suffered with in my life and here’s what worked
- Dietary changes
- Less cows milk/dairy products
- Less eggs
- More fatty fish (salmon)
- Plenty of fruit and veg
- Hydrating Face & Body Lotion
- Nourishing & Cleansing Oil
