This October is National Eczema Awareness Month and we are putting a spotlight on Eczema and Melanated skin. As much as we are ‘all the same’, there are some ailments which affect people of colour disproportionately, compared to our white counterparts, Eczema – also known as atopic dermatitis is one of them.
Eczema is a chronic skin condition which presents itself in the form of rashes and typically appears on the feet, joints of legs, inner arms, wrists, neck and face. The condition causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin which can be frustrating to deal with, especially during flare ups.
There can be a combination of reasons why one suffers from eczema including;
- Genetics – Eczema often runs in families, meaning if a close relative has it, there’s a higher chance you may develop it too. A genetic mutation affecting the skin’s ability to retain moisture can be a key contributor.
- Environmental triggers – Exposure to irritants like soaps, detergents, pet dander, or even extreme weather changes can trigger eczema flare-ups. Allergens like dust mites and pollen are also common culprits.
- Stress and/or immune system responses – Eczema is linked to an overactive immune system that reacts strongly to minor irritations. This causes inflammation and leads to dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
Extensive medical research over the years has identified that eczema presents itself differently in people of colour, these include;
- Looks Different on Darker Skin – On Black and darker skin tones, eczema often appears as dark brown, purple, or grey patches, rather than the typical red seen in lighter skin.
- More Severe Symptoms – Studies show that Black people with eczema tend to experience more intense symptoms and more frequent flare-ups compared to other ethnic groups.
- Higher Risk in Children – Black children are about 1.7 times more likely to develop eczema than white children, though it’s often under diagnosed.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation – Eczema can leave dark spots or areas of discoloration after the inflammation subsides, which can last for months, making it more noticeable on darker skin.
Understanding Your Skin Type
It is important that people of colour understand their skin type and as such, match their skin care products accordingly. With the latest skincare routine fads, many people are using one, two, three, up to four too many chemical and fragrance based products which is overloading, irritating and agitating the skin and over time can cause further conditions and weakened skin.
In most cases research has shown, people with melanated skin commonly have dry or oily and sensitive skin, plus our skin is more prone to irritations and scars.
The key is to keep it simple and understand, more often than not a specialised skincare is key! Moisturisers rich in natural oils and butters, can be especially beneficial for managing eczema, helping to lock in moisture, hydrate the skin and soothe irritation.
Most OTC products have fragrances, chemicals, preservatives and synthetics which often agitate our skin, it is important to always read the ingredients on your skincare product labels!
This knowledge can help in understanding the unique challenges and care needs for people with colour living with eczema.
At Nzema Appolo Skincare our products are 100% natural, vegan, with absolutely no junk! Check out our top three products for people with eczema dependent on their skin type:
Dry Skin – Nzema Appolo Unrefined Shea Butter £12.50
Normal Skin – Nzema Appolo Cold-Pressed Jojoba Oil £18
Oil Skin – Nzema Appolo Cold-Pressed Baobab Oil £15
Throughout the month of October shoppers receive a 10% discount off all products when they visit our store Wakuda store or online www.nzemappolo.com
This National Eczema awareness month we encourage people of colour to take a moment and review what you are eating, check your lifestyle, stress levels and what you are applying to your skin.
Although eczema cannot be cured, it can be remedied with intentional and healthy actions.
