Eczema is an inflammatory skin disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It causes itchy skin, blisters, scaly patches, rashes, dry skin, and skin infections.
Are you worried that the rashes, skin infections, or blisters may leave scars? Keep scrolling to learn more.
Can eczema leave scars?
Eczema does not directly scar your skin but can scar in spots that have been scratched and then healed. Scarring also depends on skin tone. Scarring is usually more visible if you have darker skin.
Does discoloration from eczema go away?
Some people with eczema may notice pigmentation changes once eczema has settled down. The affected skin can be either lighter or darker in colour. With time, these light spots and dark spots will resolve on their own without treatment. This process may take a few months, especially if you have darker skin. To give your skin the best chance of healing light spots and dark spots as quickly as possible, try:
- Applying sun protection as much as you can, no matter your skin tone. This helps your skin recover from pigmentation and prevents new ones from developing.
- Avoiding the use of steroid creams for longer than needed. Once the inflammatory stage of eczema has healed, steroid creams do not help with pigmentation changes. In fact, using them for too long can make light spots become permanent.
Can eczema cause skin to lighten?
Yes, eczema may cause hypo-pigmentation (skin lightening). It usually happens when an eczema flare-up is getting better. Hypo-pigmentation is more visible in people with darker skin types, but it can occur with any skin tone.
Can eczema cause skin to darken?
Yes, eczema may cause hyperpigmentation (skin darkening). Patches with eczema may become darker than normal skin colour. When skin is inflamed due to eczema, it causes cells to increase melanin production (a natural chemical that gives skin a pigment). Then as you scratch or rub the affected skin, the melanin pigment is released, causing the skin to become darker. Hyper-pigmentation patches are more visible in lighter skin tones, but they can occur in anyone.
So, are scars and skin discoloration the same?
No, scarring and discoloration are not the same. Eczema scars develop when you scratch or rub the affected skin due to itchiness. Often, you scratch so hard that the skin breaks. The skin follows a normal healing process to close off any breakages and this may cause the formation of a scar. Scars usually fade over time, but may never resolve completely.
On the other hand, eczema discoloration occurs during the post-inflammation phase when your skin has recovered from a flare. It is often also exacerbated by scratching or rubbing. Over time, discoloration resolves by itself without treatment.
Do scars from eczema simply go away?
There is no single answer to this question. The scar may or may not go away easily. Some lighter scars may disappear with time, but larger or deeper scars may not completely disappear. However, there are some ways to make them less noticeable.
Let’s have a look at them.
Can you get rid of eczema scars with treatment?
Some treatment options can make your scar less noticeable. Your dermatologist may prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription cream to reduce or remove the scars. Some procedures may also help to reduce the scar.
How to get rid of eczema scars in general
Treatment of eczema scars depends on the severity. The key is to provide moisture to the skin and prevent itching, cracking, and lichenification (thickening and leathery) of your skin. Most treatment focuses on improving symptoms and preventing scarring. In some cases, treatment may reduce scarring. Talk to your dermatologist to know more.
How do you get rid of eczema scars fast?
Some of the treatment options below may help to make your scar less visible. Sometimes, your doctor may suggest procedures to help get rid of the scar. It is vital to understand that procedures and treatment may not remove scars altogether.
- Your doctor may prescribe some topical products directly applied to the skin, including patches or gels (these mainly contain silicone). These help to flatten the scar and soften the scarring. Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid injections that also help to reduce or remove scarring.
- Some types of scar may be reduced by cryotherapy (a freezing therapy using liquid nitrogen)
- Laser treatment may also be suggested that helps to resurface the skin, which helps to reduce scarring
- For people who are severely scarred, plastic surgery may be recommended to decrease the size of the scar. As with all surgical procedures, there is a small risk that plastic surgery itself could cause scarring.
How do you get rid of dark spots from eczema?
Hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, from eczema fade over time on their own. This may take a few months, especially in people with darker skin tones. The best treatment is prevention. By preventing eczema flares, you minimize the likelihood of having dark spots appear in the first place. The key is to keep skin hydrated and prevent the symptoms of eczema flare-ups. You can try applying a cool wet cloth
If you already have dark spots, the following steps may help:
- Covering the dark spots with make-up
- Making the skin darker to minimise the appearance of dark spots (for example, using sunless tanning lotions)
- Using sun protection on a daily basis to prevent worsening of dark spots
- You can also consult your doctor to see if certain procedures may help you with hyper-pigmentation:
- Laser therapy
- Plastic surgery
Is Vaseline good for eczema?
The main component of Vaseline is petroleum, which creates a protective barrier that helps the skin heal and retains moisture. Vaseline is hypoallergenic and shows anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and anti-bacterial properties. This makes it an excellent option to manage symptoms of eczema.
Takeaways: top 3 tips to remove eczema scars fast
Removing a scar is complex, and it depends on the severity of the condition and your skin tone. However, some tips may help reduce scar formation in the first place.
- If your eczema is infected, speak to the doctor immediately. Your doctor may provide treatment for the infection and for the underlying eczema, which may help to prevent scarring of the skin.
- Taking necessary precautions to keep the skin hydrated to prevent itching, cracking, and thickening of the skin may help to reduce scar formation.
- Most importantly, minimise scratching as much as you can. Scratching breaks the skin, leading to scarring and also accelerates formation of dark spots. When you have an eczema flare, use your prescribed medications and apply cool wet cloths to the area instead of scratching.
