Are you looking to treat eczema dark spots and get rid of eczema scars? Dark spots are a side effect of eczema or atopic dermatitis, often developing in people with darker skin tones. Dark spots or skin discoloration can result after an eczema flare-up.
In this post, we explore everything you need to know about getting rid of dark patches of skin, including:
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What are dark spots?
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Why do dark spots form?
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How to naturally treat eczema dark spots
Keep reading to learn about how eczema affects the skin and how you can soothe and smooth the affected skin with natural treatments.
More about Dark Spots
As we mentioned, dark spots are often experienced by people with darker skin and are a side effect of eczema flare-ups. A darker patch of skin is known as hyperpigmentation. They often accompany the usual eczema symptoms of dryness, itchiness, possible infection, and eczema scarring. People with lighter skin are less likely to experience dark spots and instead can develop white spots or patches. However, in some severe cases, dark spots can still develop.
Why Do Dark Spots Form?
Dark spots are caused by inflammation stimulating the melanocytes - the skin cells that give skin its color - to increase melanin synthesis. The increase in skin pigmentation production results in pigment being transferred to the top layer of skin, also known as the epidermis. Compared to lighter skin cells, the pigment-forming skin cells in darker skin tones are more sensitive to inflammation. This explains why people with darker skin are likelier to experience lichenification and dark spots after an eczema flare-up. All that extra rubbing and scratching means that pigment is released.
Dark Spots and Eczema Scars
Eczema is an inflammatory and chronic skin condition characterized by dry skin, red rashes, and itchiness. The intense itchiness accompanying eczema often leads to relentless scratching, which can lead to skin infections if the skin cracks or bleeds. Scratching is also the leading cause of developing eczema scars. An eczema scar or acne scar may look similar to dark spots. However, eczema scars and acne scars require different treatments.
Treating Eczema Dark Spots with Natural Solutions
Are you wondering how to treat eczema dark spots? Here are our favorite tips and tricks.
Stop Scratching
The first thing we want to emphasize is prevention. Protecting your skin from harmful scratching can help reduce eczema scarring and the development of dark spots. Plus, they can provide soothing relief for eczema on hands. These Cotton ScratchSleeves with Scratch Mittens for Babies and Kids are great for little ones, while we love these Cotton Adult Scratch Sleeves with Anti Scratch Mitts for adults. Both protect irritated or sensitive skin from eczema and other itchy skin conditions. They can be easily worn throughout the day or over pajamas to help heal skin overnight.
Find more solutions to prevent scratching in our Eczema Mittens & Gloves collection.
Improve your Diet
A good diet is vital for overall health and well-being, but did you know it can also help reduce eczema flare-ups? An anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups. To improve your eczema-prone skin and reduce inflammation, add more kale, spinach, blueberries, salmon, sardines, coconut oil, and olive oil to your anti-inflammatory diet.
Keep the Skin Moisturized
You can prevent eczema scarring and the development of eczema dark spots by keeping the skin hydrated. We recommend natural skin care products like our Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream. It's made with six natural ingredients, including powerful manuka honey, which aids wound healing. All the ingredients in this gentle cream are known for their healing properties, making it an excellent choice for eczema, atopic dermatitis, and other dermatologic disorders. Safe and effective, you can apply this cream over the affected areas or anywhere on your body to treat eczema scarring and dark spots.
Take Shorter Showers
Long, hot showers can further dry the skin, leading to eczema flare-ups and an increased risk of dark spots. We recommend taking shorter, lukewarm baths or showers to boost the healing process. Wash your skin with this soothing Coconut and Sunflower Oil Soap Bar. It gently cleanses and smooths the skin with its winning combination of shea butter, coconut oil, and sunflower oil.
Avoid Triggers
Itching is often due to flare-ups, during which symptoms worsen. Avoiding known eczema triggers can help keep eczema flare-ups at bay. Some common triggers include dust mites, cold weather, clothing fabrics, pet fur, mold, pollen, and harsh ingredients in skin care, beauty, household and laundry products.
Take an Oatmeal Bath
Indulge in an oatmeal bath with our Conqueror Oatmeal Bath for Eczema. Soaking your body in an oatmeal bath for just 30 minutes a day can help reduce scarring, return moisture to the skin, and remove dead skin cells.
Treat your Eczema Dark Spots Today
Try these gentle eczema treatments to get rid of eczema scars and dark spots today.