Eczema can make your skin itchy and dry. It’s a common skin condition, affecting around
Some people may be disproportionally affected by eczema. For example, eczema may be more severe or persistent in Hispanic people.
Below, we’ll discuss more about eczema and how it affects Hispanic people. Keep reading to learn more.
Eczema is a group of seven skin conditions in which areas of skin become itchy, dry, and inflamed. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema.
People with eczema may develop scaly patches of skin, a blister-like rash, oozing, or swelling. Scratching or rubbing the affected area may make it worse.
Most of the time, a person develops eczema as a young child, typically by the age of 5. However, people can develop eczema at older ages as well.
It’s still unknown what exactly causes eczema. Various genetic, environmental, and immune factors likely play a role.
What is known is that people with eczema have changes in the skin barrier that reduce the amount of moisture that can be retained, leading to very dry skin. This makes the skin more susceptible to react to various triggers, such as:
- dry air
- cold temperatures
- hormonal changes, such as during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy
- stress
- food allergies, such as allergies to peanuts, eggs, or seafood
- exposure to known allergens, such as pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mites, chemicals, and fragrances
- certain types of skin care products
- scented soaps or detergents
- clothing materials like wool or synthetic fabrics
How eczema affects Hispanic people
There are very few studies on eczema or atopic dermatitis in the Hispanic population.
However, a
But according to the National Eczema Association, Hispanic children and Black children often experience more severe eczema than white children.
Many of the same risk factors that influence rates, severity, or persistence of atopic dermatitis, such as environment, socioeconomic status, and healthcare factors, are consistent with other populations.
Eczema can also affect Hispanic people in other ways compared with white people. Several studies demonstrate this:
- One
study with 1,437 mother-child pairs found that Hispanic people and Black people with early childhood eczema were more likely to experience eczema that persists beyond early childhood. - A study with 7,522 children found that Hispanic children and Black children were overall three times more likely to get medical care for eczema. They had a higher likelihood of seeking primary or emergency care for eczema as well.
- Another
study with 8,015 children found that Hispanic children and Black children were more likely to have unmanaged eczema and increased school absences due to their eczema.
Eczema can appear differently on darker skin tones than on lighter skin tones. Not all doctors are well trained in these differences due to systemic racism in healthcare, so they may miss eczema in these skin types. This can lead to misdiagnoses or late diagnoses.
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Eczema is characterized by patches of skin that are dry and itchy. When scratched or rubbed, the affected area will appear scaly, look inflamed, and feel warm to the touch.
Although eczema can affect any part of the body, some areas are more common, such as the:
- hands or feet
- insides of the elbows
- backs of the knees
- wrists or ankles
- eyelids
- creases between the buttocks and legs
- cheeks or scalp (in infants)
Skin inflammation can also appear differently depending on skin tone. For example, in lighter skin tones, eczema may appear pink or red. In darker skin tones, it may look:
- ashen gray
- purple
- dark brown
- lighter, dry areas
It’s also possible for people with eczema to experience flare-ups. This is a period of time in which eczema symptoms become more severe. In some people, flare-ups can occur as often as two or three times per month.
Eczema symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. For example, itching can disrupt your daily activities or sleep. People with eczema may have other conditions, too, such as asthma and allergies.
Additionally, scratching or picking at inflamed areas can lead to complications like:
- skin infections
- skin pigmentation changes
- skin thickening (lichenification)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation
Inflammatory skin conditions like eczema can also cause conditions called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation:
- Hyperpigmentation happens when an area of skin that was inflamed becomes darker than the surrounding skin. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more pronounced in darker skin tones but more common in lighter skin tones.
- Hypopigmentation happens when an area of skin that was inflamed becomes lighter than the surrounding skin. In darker skin tones, it’s more common than hyperpigmentation.
These conditions can resolve over time, although this may take weeks or months, and even years in some cases. Sometimes, they may be permanent. Common treatment options include sun protection and topical medications.
A dermatologist typically diagnoses eczema. This type of doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating health conditions that affect the skin.
Your dermatologist will start by examining your skin and getting your medical history. During this time, they’ll ask about things like:
- when your symptoms started and how often they occur
- where on your body symptoms occur (particularly if you have clear skin during your visit)
- how the rash feels, such as whether it itches or hurts
- whether certain things make your symptoms better or worse
- if you have a family history of conditions like eczema, allergies, or asthma
- any other underlying health conditions you may have
- what types of medications or supplements you’re taking
Many times, your dermatologist can diagnose eczema using your medical history and doing a skin exam. In some cases, they will want to collect a skin biopsy as a part of the diagnostic process.
To collect the biopsy, your dermatologist will numb an area of the skin using localized anesthesia to reduce discomfort and pain. They’ll then use a small, sharp tool to remove a small sample of skin that will then be examined under a microscope. The skin biopsy is often sent to a person who specializes in skin pathology called a dermatopathologist.
There’s no current cure for eczema, but it can be managed. Several eczema treatment options can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment recommendations are similar across racial and ethnic groups.
Generally, treatment options for eczema can be broken down into lifestyle changes and medications.
Lifestyle changes
There are many things you can do at home to help prevent or ease eczema symptoms:
- Frequently apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to your skin, especially after bathing. Ointments or creams may be better if you have atopic dermatitis.
- Reduce bathing time to 5 to 10 minutes. Only use gentle, unscented cleanser no more than once daily.
- Gently pat skin to dry it; do not rub skin.
- Avoid your known eczema triggers whenever possible, such as certain foods, soaps, or fabrics.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing that can irritate skin.
- Do not pick or scratch at inflamed patches of skin, as this may lead to pigmentation changes, skin thickening, or an infection.
- Use an over-the-counter (OTC) corticosteroid cream, such as hydrocortisone, to reduce itching and swelling.
- Try taking OTC antihistamines, which may help alleviate itching.
- Take a bleach bath under the direction of your dermatologist.
- Avoid herbal products, as these may irritate an eczema flare-up.
Medications
If OTC products aren’t effective at easing your eczema symptoms, your dermatologist may prescribe a topical anti-inflammatory medication. Some examples include:
- a prescription corticosteroid cream
- a calcineurin inhibitor, such as pimecrolimus cream (Elidel) or tacrolimus ointment (Protopic)
- crisaborole ointment (Eucrisa)
In some cases, your dermatologist may prescribe oral corticosteroids. Due to their potential side effects, oral corticosteroids are typically only taken for a short time. An example of when they may be used is during a severe eczema flare-up.
Some people with eczema may need a systemic medication that suppresses the immune system, such as:
- JAK inhibitors, like abrocitinib (Cibinqo)
- cyclosporine
- methotrexate
- mycophenolate (Cellcept)
- azathioprine
- biologics
Skin infections can be common in people with eczema, typically from scratching or picking at the affected area. If you develop a skin infection, your dermatologist can prescribe antibiotics to treat it.
While not a medication, phototherapy may also be used for eczema. In phototherapy, your skin is exposed to a controlled amount of ultraviolet light (UV) light two to three times per week. Phototherapy can help reduce itching and inflammation.
Two big risk factors for eczema are a family history of eczema and environmental exposures.
Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, is associated with a hyperactive immune system. It’s often accompanied by asthma and allergies.
Eczema often develops in people who have a personal history of other atopic conditions. Additionally, if you have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, with an atopic condition, you may also have an increased risk as well.
Environmental exposures may also play a role in eczema risk. For example, if you’re already predisposed toward eczema, coming into frequent contact with one or more eczema triggers could cause the condition to develop.
Other environmental exposures that may trigger eczema include:
- tobacco smoke
- pollution
- fragrance in many skin care products and laundry detergents
- wool clothing
Although further studies are needed, some research has found that the factors influencing eczema risk may vary based on race or ethnicity. A
- eczema was less common in Hispanic children than in white children
- the impact of parental history of atopic conditions or eczema was greater in Hispanic children than in white children
- certain environmental exposures affected these two groups differently, suggesting differences in the mechanism behind eczema development. Specifically, exposure to mold or mildew increased the risk of eczema in:
- white children with a parental history of atopic conditions
- Hispanic children without a parental history of atopic conditions
Tips for finding a doctor who understands
If you’re Hispanic and think you have eczema, you may want to find a medical professional who best understands your individual needs.
A good starting place would be to ask your primary care doctor for a referral. Another tip would be to ask others in your community if they could recommend a local dermatologist with whom they’ve had a positive experience.
You can also try some of the resources below:
- National Alliance for Hispanic Health: The National Alliance for Hispanic Health promotes health and well-being in the Hispanic community. They have a helpline for confidential health information and provider referrals in both English and Spanish.
- American Academy of Dermatology: The American Academy of Dermatology has a search tool to help you find a dermatologist close to you. You can use the search filters to find a dermatologist who focuses on treating eczema in skin of color.
- Skin of Color Society: The Skin of Color Society aims to promote awareness of dermatological conditions in skin of color. They also have a database you can use to find a doctor who specializes in treating skin of color.
It’s possible that eczema may improve over time in some children. However, it’s also possible for the condition to persist into adolescence and adulthood.
Studies describing the effectiveness of eczema treatments in various racial and ethnic groups are also still limited. A
When this information was included, Hispanic people were only 2% of the participant population for the reviewed trials.
Additionally, few trials (
Although there’s currently no cure for eczema, seeking treatment can go a long way in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. That’s why it’s very important to find a dermatologist if you suspect that you have eczema.
While eczema is less common in Hispanic people, it can also be more severe or persistent in this group.
Additionally, some research has found that Hispanic children are more likely to seek care or miss school due to eczema.
Eczema treatment is the same across racial and ethnic groups. It generally involves lifestyle changes and medications.
Because treatment can improve symptoms and quality of life, be sure to talk with a dermatologist if you think you have eczema.