Eczema affects your skin through an immune system response, causing itching, rashes, and alterations in color and texture. These symptoms, referred to as flare-ups, can be controlled with treatment but may take time to resolve. Scratching can sometimes lead to temporary discoloration or scarring. Managing eczema scars involves avoiding triggers, controlling flare-ups, and seeking medical advice when needed.
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Causes of Eczema Scars | Pigmentation | Itch-scratch Cycle | Corticosteroids | Appearance of Eczema Scars | Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation | Lichenification | Post-inflammatory Hypopigmentation | Pityriasis Alba | Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars | Eczema Scar Resolution | Treating Eczema Scars | Preventing Eczema Scars | Conclusion
What causes eczema scars?
More than 30 million Americans experience eczema, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Some cases may lead to lasting skin changes. Eczema scars typically develop from pigment changes after flare-ups or from scratching, which can cause wounds and infections. While these skin changes may persist after symptoms subside, they usually fade as the outer skin layer (epidermis) heals. Permanent marks are uncommon unless deeper skin layers are affected.
Pigmentation
Skin tone influences eczema symptoms and scarring. Eczema is often detected earlier in lighter skin, allowing for quicker treatment. On darker skin, diagnosis may take longer, potentially leading to more severe symptoms. Skin pigmentation may require time to normalize after flare-ups.
Itch-scratch cycle
Eczema often causes intense itching, leading to scratching that worsens symptoms—a cycle known as the itch-scratch cycle. Persistent scratching can create skin wounds, causing pigment changes or scarring. Open wounds also increase infection risk, potentially requiring antibiotics. Infected skin that heals slowly may scar more easily.
Corticosteroids
Long-term use of topical corticosteroids may cause lighter skin patches, particularly noticeable on darker skin. These typically fade after stopping steroid treatment.
What do eczema scars look like?
Eczema scars often appear as temporary changes in skin color or texture that persist after flare-ups. Common manifestations include:
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Eczema inflammation varies by skin tone:
- Lighter skin may appear pink or red
- Darker skin may show brown, purple, or gray hues
These changes can last months after flare-ups and are more visible on darker skin.
Lichenification
Advanced eczema can lead to lichenification, where skin becomes discolored, thick, and rough—often in frequently scratched areas. This condition darkens skin pigmentation, appearing dark pink on light skin and gray on darker tones.
Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation
Hypopigmentation—the opposite of hyperpigmentation—causes skin to lighten after flare-ups until fully healed.
Pityriasis alba
This form of hypopigmentation commonly affects children and teens with dry skin or eczema. It appears as oval, scaly patches that stand out on darker skin or after sun exposure, remaining light while surrounding skin darkens.
Hypertrophic and keloid scars
Excessive scratching can cause dark, raised scars—either hypertrophic or keloid. These itchy scars may need medical attention. Hypertrophic scars match wound shapes, while keloids grow larger and darker. They’re more common in dark-skinned individuals, with African Americans 5-16 times more likely to develop keloids than white Americans.
Do eczema scars go away?
Most eczema scars fade over time, with discoloration typically resolving within months as inflammation decreases. Darker skin may experience longer-lasting discoloration. Scars from broken skin may take longer to heal and could become permanent.
How can I treat eczema scars?
Effective eczema scar management focuses on controlling flare-ups:
- Identify and avoid triggers
- Maintain clean, moisturized skin
- Use prescribed medications
- Avoid irritating products
- Try home remedies like oatmeal baths
- Seek treatment for infections
- Consider UV light therapy if recommended
- Discuss skin discoloration concerns with your doctor
- Address mental health needs
- Pursue specialized treatments for severe scarring
Can I prevent eczema scars?
Preventing eczema scars requires effective symptom management. See a doctor if symptoms worsen. Common triggers include stress, temperature extremes, harsh detergents, poor skincare, and allergens. Avoid scratching and keep nails short to minimize skin damage.
Takeaway
Eczema can cause lasting skin changes, including color variations after symptoms subside. Scarring may occur from scratching or infections. Fortunately, most scars fade with time. Controlling eczema symptoms is key to preventing skin changes. Consult your doctor for eczema management or scarring concerns.
Jump to Section
Causes of Eczema Scars | Pigmentation | Itch-scratch Cycle | Corticosteroids | Appearance of Eczema Scars | Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation | Lichenification | Post-inflammatory Hypopigmentation | Pityriasis Alba | Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars | Eczema Scar Resolution | Treating Eczema Scars | Preventing Eczema Scars | Conclusion