Overview

In people prone to eczema, skin that is too dry can easily become irritated, itchy, and develop red, itchy patches.

Scratching from chronic, untreated areas of eczema can also lead to bacterial infections, leading to complications and scarring. Although eczema scars are rare, chronic, untreated patches of eczema can thicken and cause dark spots on the elbows, wrists, ankles, and knees.

On darker, hyperpigmented skin, eczema patches may appear darker at first, then become lighter or hypopigmented after a few weeks or months.

What are the signs of eczema?

You know that eczema can cause symptoms such as itchy rashes, blisters, and dry, cracked skin, but you may not realize that this common skin condition can also cause lighter or darker patches to appear on the skin. You may develop brown spots or thickening of the skin in the affected areas (called eczema lichenification). 

The lichenification of eczema -- thickening of the skin caused by scratching -- usually appears as hyperpigmentation on dark skin.

Eczema, known as dermatitis, is a red, itchy rash that causes patches that may only form in small areas or may be all over the body.

In children with eczema, eczema has very itchy, scaly, red patches on the skin, usually on the cheeks, in the crooks of the elbows, and under the knees. 

For atopic eczema that occurs during exacerbations, the skin can appear dry and tight even during remission. Sometimes, patches of skin can become rough and inflamed, and blisters can cause tearing, itching, and bleeding.

Discoid eczema, also known as nummular or discoid dermatitis, is a long-term (chronic) skin condition that causes itching, swelling, and cracking of the skin in round or oval patches. 

People with a type of eczema called irritant contact dermatitis of the hands may also develop discoid eczema on the extremities or other parts of the body. In severe cases of breast eczema, the skin may crack or ooze a thick yellow or white fluid (pus).

Eczema can cause skin discoloration even if you don't have scars. On black skin, eczema can cause skin discoloration, but the exact shade can vary. On black and combination skin On colored skin, eczema rashes are less noticeable, which can make diagnosis difficult. 

Although the symptoms of eczema are completely different, you may confuse them with similar rashes, bumps, or redness. 

Why do these spots appear?

Eczema causes an inflammatory response in the body.Inflammation can also cause a tingling or burning sensation, and dryness can cause the skin to feel tight.This causes the release of protein cells called cytokines, which stimulate the cells responsible for producing melanin, explains Michelle Green, MD, board certified cosmetic dermatologist.When melanin production ramps up, the pigment can get transferred to the top layer of the skin, resulting in patches of discoloration.

Science shows that people with dark skin are more likely to develop more severe eczema than people with fair skin. Dr. Robinson agreed that black patients were more likely to develop eczema, and Dr. Robinson said their skin was also more resistant to treatment. 

How to get rid of dark spots from eczema?

You must resist the urge to scratch the eczema patch to avoid scarring and infection. Scratching on breast eczema can damage the skin, cause infection, and cause pain.

Medications

Eczema meds can relieve your symptoms and help the skin heal when you take them as directed. The treatments may not have the same effects on everyone, though. So you and your doctor may need to try a few options to see what works best for you. 

Phototherapy

Ultraviolet (UV) light can help treat moderate-to-severe eczema. UV rays help keep the immune system from overreacting. But too much of it can age your skin and raise your risk for skin cancer. So doctors use the lowest possible dose and watch your skin carefully when you get this treatment.

Apply moisturizer daily

Do it right after you bathe or wash your hands. Choose fragrance-free moisturizers that won't irritate you. Try using a thicker skin cream or ointment that has more oil at night, and wear cotton gloves or socks to lock in moisture. Gloves can also keep you from scratching in your sleep.

Takeaway

Note that redness may be a problem to detect on dark skin and may lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. 

Eczema is a skin condition that causes a dry and itchy rash that appears on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, eyelids, and neck, as well as the inner creases of the elbows and knees. 

Chronic untreated eczema can lead to thick, itchy dark patches that, if scratched, can lead to infection and scarring.

Sometimes areas of skin affected by discoid eczema may remain permanently discolored after the condition has resolved. The spots may disappear without a trace, although in people with darker skin, light or dark spots may persist for several months after discoid eczema disappears.

DISCLAIMER    

Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.