By Dr. Dwana Shabazz, MD
Dry skin, eczema, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are common maladies in black skin. Although they are separate entities, all three can be present at the same time, with dry skin often initiating the cycle leading to the others.
Below, we outline the conditions and ways you can combat them.
Dry Skin
Dry skin can occur any time of the year. However, the most prevalent time period is during the winter months, when the weather is cold and humidity is low. Not only does dry skin create a dull appearance, but it can also cause skin to itch.
Here are some pointers to help alleviate dry skin:1. Decrease time and temperature in the shower
2. Moisturize the skin while damp to allow better sealing in of moisture
3. Use creams in the winter, and lotions during the spring and summer
4. Use a humidifier to add moisture in the home
5. For severely dry areas of the body, such as hands and feet, use gloves and socks to allow occlusion of moisturizers for better penetration
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a darkening of the skin that occurs as a rash or acne resolves. This is very common in skin of color. It is often more distressing than the initial condition. Here are some helpful tips with regard to PIH:
1. Use of sunscreen is crucial in not worsening PIH
2. Scratching, rubbing, or picking a skin condition can lead to more severe PIH
3. Use of fading/bleaching agents, with the direction of your physician, can help minimize PIH
4. Some minimally invasive cosmetic procedures can improve PIH
5. All cosmetic procedures are not safe for skin of color, as some can cause PIH and scarring of the skin, so be sure to discuss with a doctor who is familiar with darker skin tones
Eczema
Eczema is often a chronic condition that flares and remits (comes and goes). The hallmark of eczema is dry, itchy, scaly patches on the skin. It can affect all ages from infants to adults. However, some grow out of the condition. Thus, it is not necessarily life long. Here are some important facts about eczema:
1. Eczema is often associated with asthma and allergies
2. Dry skin often exacerbates eczema, thus use of daily moisturizers can often maintain stability
3. The mainstay of treatment of eczema is use of topical cortisone, which should be directed by your physician
4. White patches that develop over time are often due to long term use of topical cortisone
5. Scratching the skin can cause weepy skin that can lead to a secondary infection
Comments: (20)
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By: Ernestine on 1/23/2008 10:56AM
I have eczema it started for me way back in middle school I never had it to worsen it only comes on the outside of both of my arms and stomach. I know people who have it worse to where it's all over cause they refuse to to go the doctor ot put on the cream that is given to them. I just learned to live with it and do what i do so that it won't worsen
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By: Marie D on 1/23/2008 11:00AM
I have allergies, and my eyes itch alot, and I rub under them , causing a black area from friction. Can anyone possibly tell me of a way to remove the black spots, and does vanishing/ fading creams work?
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By: Noonie on 1/23/2008 12:46PM
I went to the doctor for something else and he noticed my skin and told me that I was getting treated for the work thing. I did not have eczema but some type of fungus. I was given steroids as a prescription along with Lotrim and it cleared it right up. Unfortunately, I gained a few pounds due to the steroids.
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By: Ra on 1/26/2008 9:30PM
This is not a very well-trained doc, who describes what to do to the exterior of your skin only. Instead of, describing the "real" causes (diet and genetics), and prescribing a remedies or alleviations (change of diet).
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By: michelle renae on 1/23/2008 2:20PM
ok so wheres the cures?
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By: betty on 1/23/2008 2:29PM
I have been using petroleum-jelly for years and it has worked wonders for me i use it all over my body after my bath try it every one its great!!
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By: Ralph Hanshaw on 1/23/2008 3:26PM
I have had eczema for over ten years I was told that it could come because a parent has asthma mother has so I believe that try everything under the sun also I think ones nerves and emotion have a lot to due with it. I retired from the P O as of the last year I have'nt itch in a year am using Eucerin lotion for now
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By: bnatural on 1/23/2008 4:07PM
I have this same problem. I get itchy patches on my arms and legs that get dark and scaly. When I have this problem, I've used the product called Moisturizing Glove by Pamper Yourself Skincare. The first day of use the itching was very minimal. After the second application, the itching wasn't even there. If I use it every day for about a week on the spot, the darkness begin to fade away.
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By: partee on 1/24/2008 9:10AM
Does anyone have a cream or something for itchy scalp?
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By: Rita on 1/23/2008 10:08PM
My oldest has Eczema. Bother her and her father have o+ blood. The doctor said it was something in their blood that caused it to flare up. The only thing that seems to really clear it up is this steriod cream that the dr prescribes but can only be given for a week at a time every few months. So I wash my daughter with Dove sensitive skin soap and put on the meds from the dr along with the petroleum jelly twice a day and it helps.
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