Eczema is a common skin condition that causes itchy, dry, and irritated lesions. Scratching the lesions can lead to changes in the skin, including both hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation.
Experts are not sure what precisely causes eczema. However, research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a role. Eczema causes lesions on the skin that are itchy and dry. Many people feel the urge to scratch the affected skin, which can worsen the irritation. The skin may change color due to scratching, inflammation, and the steroids people can use to treat the condition.
The change in color can be hypopigmentation, which is a loss of color, or hyperpigmentation, which is a darkening of color.
Eczema lesions, also called atopic dermatitis, can be itchy and uncomfortable. Scratching eczema is a common behavior, but it may lead to changes in the skin’s appearance and texture.
Eczema can cause two types of skin pigment changes: hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation. Hypopigmentation is a loss of pigment or color, usually presenting in patches that are lighter than a person’s skin tone. Hyperpigmentation refers to patches of skin that become darker than the skin surrounding them. Hypo and hyperpigmentation are both more visible on darker skin tones. However, they can appear on any skin tone.
People with eczema can find the change in skin appearance distressing, and it can affect their quality of life. Even after treatment for eczema, the skin may not return to its previous color.
How eczema affects the skin
Eczema looks different, depending on a person’s skin type.
On light skin, eczema typically causes inflamed pink or red patches that are dry and itchy. These lesions are harder to detect on dark skin tones.
When people with light skin scratch eczema lesions, hyper and hypopigmentation can occur. Skin pigmentation can progress gradually, and its subtle changes make it hard to detect.
People with dark skin tones can be more likely to get hyper and hypopigmentation. They can also be more likely to have follicular prominence, which is when eczema presents as small, itchy bumps called papules. These mainly appear on the forearms and torso.
Treatment
There is currently no specific treatment for skin pigment changes. However, eczema is treatable in people of all skin types.
Hyper and hypopigmentation usually fade and resolve on their own. Using a moisturizing cream or ointment can help the dryness, and sun protection will prevent hyper and hypopigmentation patches from worsening.
If a person’s eczema or pigmentation does not resolve on its own, they can contact a doctor or dermatologist to establish a treatment plan. This may include oral and topical steroids, nonsteroid creams, and more.
