Resources and Support for Eczema on Darker Skin: Where To Go

Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and sometimes discolored or bumpy skin. Symptoms can come and go over time, and skin may become inflamed or swollen.

Eczema may affect people with darker skin differently. Eczema often looks red on lighter skin. On Black and brown skin, flare-ups may look dark brown, purple, or gray. People who are Black may also get small, itchy bumps on their chest, arms, or legs, known as papular eczema.

Eczema tends to be more common and sometimes more severe among Black and Hispanic people, especially children. Resources and specialists can help you understand your symptoms, manage flare-ups, and get support.

The Skin of Color Society is a professional organization that promotes awareness of how skin conditions, including eczema, can affect skin of color. The organization focuses on research and education among healthcare providers and the public, including through a weekly newsletter on the latest in skin care and dermatology.

Their website also offers a directory of dermatologists with experience treating eczema. You can use their dermatologist directory to find providers with expertise in skin of color.

Eczema in Skin of Color is a health education site created by the Allergy & Asthma Network and the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. The site addresses how eczema looks and feels on darker skin tones.

It also focuses on patient education, including downloadable guides and photos of symptoms for various body parts. They even have a glossary of common terms related to skin conditions and their definitions.

The National Eczema Association is a nonprofit supporting people with eczema. The association offers a variety of tools, like eczema-friendly product guides, research updates, and webinars. They also have an app called EczemaWise. You can use the app to track your symptoms and treatments, as well as keep up with dermatology appointments.

You can also call 800-818-7546 for more information. You may find the National Eczema Association especially helpful if you’re seeking community support or want to stay informed about the latest eczema treatments.

The American Academy of Dermatology is an organization of dermatologists. The group focuses on education, research, and advocacy related to skin care. Their website includes tools to help you find a board-certified dermatologist in your area. They also have a section on hair and skin care for skin of color.

You can contact the group through their website or by phone at 1-888-462-3376.

The Allergy & Asthma Network is a nonprofit organization that supports people with allergies, asthma, and related conditions like eczema. Their resources include webinars, fact sheets, treatment guides, and school health tools.

You can contact them through their website or by phone at 1-800-878-4403. They can be a valuable resource for people managing multiple conditions, especially when eczema is linked to allergies or asthma.

The Black Derm Directory is an online platform dedicated to helping people find board-certified dermatologists who are experienced in treating skin of color. It was created to address the gaps in skin care and help communities of color have better access to culturally competent providers. They also provide information (and photos) on skin conditions for skin of color.

Visit their site to search for dermatologists in your area and learn more. You can also visit their blog for articles on skin care.

If you have darker skin and eczema, you can also find support online in forums and support groups. For example:

• Search Facebook using terms like “eczema in skin of color”
• On Instagram and TikTok, follow hashtags like #EczemaInSkinOfColor or #SkinOfColorDermatologist
• Check out @skinofcolor on Instagram

A growing number of social media influencers cover skin care for darker skin tones. Influencers like @brownskinderm (Dr. Adeline Kikam) and @dermbeautydoc (Dr. Hope Mitchell) offer expert advice for managing eczema on skin of color.

Eczema may appear differently on skin of color, presenting as purple, gray, or dark brown patches. People with darker skin who have eczema may also develop small, itchy bumps. Several platforms provide education on and support for eczema and other skin conditions on skin of color. These include the National Eczema Association and Eczema in Skin of Color.

You may also find online communities and forums that offer emotional support and resources for individuals living with eczema. These resources can also help you find dermatologists who specialize in skin care.