Brown Eczema: Do You Need a Black Dermatologist?

Dear Brown Skin, 

To be a member of a community which prides itself on its style/appearance and have eczema can be a devastating phenomenon. What is a black woman if she does not have her looks?

Luckily, you may never have to find the answer to that question.

The first step is to find a great dermatologist. While you don't need an African-American dermatologist, you do need a skin specialist who is used to observing Black skin. 

In the mean time, there are a few simple steps that you may take to keep your skin healthy and most importantly, within your control.

PREVENTION

to decrease the chances of flare-ups...

• Find a great dermatologist with experience in treating Black skin
• Increase your water intake (8-12 glasses per day)
  
• Olive Oil and Baby Oil Gel soothe the skin
  
• Cera Ve Cream or Cetaphil Cream lock in moisture
  
• Avoid extremely hot showers and baths (dries skin faster)
• Oatmeal, itself, or Oatmeal-based soaps (such as Aveeno) are gentle
  

REACTION

to decrease the effect of flare-ups, once they have occurred...

• Monitor your diet: Caffeine increases breakouts that already begun
  
• Monitor your diet: Citrus often increases breakouts that have already begun
  
• Monitor your diet: Soy may increase breakouts that have already begun
  
• During bathing, cloths may irritate skin
  
• After bathing, do not towel dry
  
• After bathing, apply Olive Oil, Baby Oil Gel or Cream while still wet
  
• Prescriptions: An antibiotic may stop reaction. Reactions are often perpetuated by an infection
  
• Prescriptions: Hydrocortisone may decrease flare-up
  
• Prescriptions: Protopic (non-steroid) is better on the face
  
• Prescriptions: Triamcinalone will decrease flare up, if Hydrocortisone no longer works. Please note: Use of Triamcinalone WILL make your skin thinner. Your skin will tear and bleed much easier than it did prior to use.
  
• Prescriptions: Predisone (oral or injection) will decrease flare up, but may have long term effects on internal organs. Please ask your doctor about all long term side-effects before using the medication.
  

What Flare ups look like, on Black skin: (Face, Arm & Neck, shown below)