Eczema in Asian Skin: What You Need to Know

 Asian skin types are more likely than lighter skin types to have eczema as itchy, scaly, irritated patches that are grey, purple, or darker brown.

When compared to pale skin tones, Asian skin types may exhibit distinct eczema symptoms. Because of these variations, diagnosing eczema on the skin of colour can be challenging because certain symptoms may go unnoticed by medical experts who are not familiar with these nuances.

Continue reading to find out more about Asian skin eczema, its risk factors, and potential treatments.

What does eczema look like on Asian skin?

Instead of the redness often seen in medical literature, eczema on Asian skin may appear grey, purple, or dark brown. Because of this variation, the discolouration might not always be as obvious, which can often make diagnosis more challenging.

Additionally, studies show that eczema flare-ups can worsen in those with darker skin tones, such as Asians. Even after the eczema has cured, hyperpigmentation brought on by eczema inflammation may result in dark areas.

Is eczema common among Asian people?

Yes, eczema affects a lot of Asians, and the rising urbanization of the region has contributed to its increased incidence. According to a 2018 report, China's urban population has grown throughout the previous ten years.

A review published in 2021 discovered that as a result of increased exposure to air pollution and other environmental irritants brought on by increasing urbanization in several Asian countries, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis is higher among Asians who live in urban areas.

What factors can increase the likelihood of eczema in Asian people?

Other variables that may raise an Asian person's risk of developing eczema include:

• Mutations in the filaggrin gene: Asians are more likely to carry this gene mutation, which frequently compromises the skin barrier and raises the risk of eczema.
• Diet: According to a 2021 study, eating more processed and inflammatory foods may increase skin sensitivity and inflammation, which increases the risk of eczema in those who consume these foods.
• Environment: Conditions that are humid and dirty, which are typical in many Asian cities, can make eczema symptoms more likely to appear.
• Family history: Having a family history of atopic disorders like eczema and asthma might also raise the likelihood of having eczema.

Barriers to accessing care

People of colour may find it difficult to receive eczema treatment for several reasons, including:

Misdiagnosis due to underrepresentation in dermatology

Dark skin tones might exhibit distinct symptoms from eczema, which can frequently result in misdiagnosis or postponed treatment.

People with light skin usually have red, irritated spots when they have eczema. On the other hand, it can show up as grey, purple, or dark brown patches on darker skin, which makes it more difficult for medical practitioners who are not aware of these variations to accurately diagnose the disorder.

Inadequate scoring systems

People with dark skin may find it more difficult to use scoring systems like SCORAD, which evaluates eczema based on visual indicators like erythema (redness) and dryness. On darker skin tones, erythema might not be as noticeable, but it still produces a great deal of discomfort.

Lack of patient-centred care

Furthermore, some dermatologists focus on treating individuals of race. Language and cultural obstacles can also make it more difficult for people to get the right care, particularly if they reside in non-diverse locations.

Obtaining as a person of colour high-quality dermatological care

It can be helpful to look for a dermatologist who specializes in treating skin of colour, as they are more likely to be aware of the ways that eczema manifests differently on darker skin tones and to be able to treat your skin type specifically.

Specialists can be found via websites such as the Skin of Color Society.

Finding a specialist can be costly and time-consuming, and it's not always possible for everyone to find one. To make sure you receive the care you need in these situations, it can be useful to understand how to advocate for yourself in medical settings.

How to manage eczema

To control symptoms and lessen flare-ups, managing eczema frequently entails a combination of lifestyle modifications and medicinal interventions.

Eczema management techniques include:

• putting on a heavy moisturizer without fragrance at least twice a day to keep skin hydrated
• utilizing gentle, soap-free cleansers that preserve your skin's natural oils
• recognizing and staying away from things that cause dermatitis, such as wool, allergies, harsh soaps, and stress
• Take quick, heated baths since hot water can exacerbate symptoms and dry out the skin
• applying doctor-prescribed nonsteroidal alternatives or medicated lotions, such as topical corticosteroids, to relieve inflammation
• To lessen irritation, wear cotton or other soft, breathable fabrics and stay away from clothing that is too tight.

Treatment options

The type of eczema and the intensity of your symptoms will determine the best course of therapy for you, as a dermatologist or other healthcare provider can advise you on both.

Among the potential courses of treatment are:

• Topical corticosteroids: These drugs aid in lowering irritation and inflammation. While heavier prescription drugs like fluocinonide (Vanos) may be required in extreme situations, over-the-counter treatments like hydrocortisone are readily available.
• Emollients and moisturizers: Emollients and moisturizers can help keep the skin hydrated daily, creating a barrier that can stop eczema flare-ups. Thick ointments or creams are among the options.
• Antihistamines: These can be useful in controlling itching, especially at night. While they don't directly treat eczema, they do ease discomfort when it flares up. One typical illustration is cetirizine (Zyrtec).
• Phototherapy (light therapy): In more severe cases of eczema, this treatment entails controlled UV light exposure to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
• Biologics: Drugs that target particular immune system pathways, such as sarilumab (Dupixent), help to lessen inflammation and associated eczema symptoms. When alternative therapies are ineffective for moderate-to-severe eczema, they are frequently utilized.

When to speak with a doctor

Consult a doctor if your eczema symptoms increase, do not react to over-the-counter medicines, or you detect signs of infected eczema.

The symptoms of a skin infection are:

• pain or soreness
• pus-filled blisters
• increased itchiness
• Increased heating in the affected region
• crusting, oozing, or yellow discharge
• Increased discolouration, such as darker spots than the surrounding skin.

Takeaway

Eczema is frequent among Asians, with a rise in occurrences attributable to urbanization, genetics, and environmental exposure.

However, diagnosis can be difficult on the skin of colour because eczema appears differently, and scoring systems used to diagnose eczema may underestimate its severity.

Misdiagnosis delayed therapy, and a lack of dermatologists who specialize in treating people with coloured skin can all complicate care.

Wherever possible, seek out a dermatologist who specializes in treating skin of colour.