How Eczema Looks on Different Skin Tones

Eczema—that persistent itch and rash—doesn’t present the same way on everyone. If you’re living with eczema or suspect you might have it, understanding how it appears on different skin tones is crucial for early recognition and effective management. The characteristic signs of eczema can be nuanced depending on your natural skin color, and knowing these variations can help you and your healthcare provider identify and treat it accurately.

This article explores how eczema manifests visually across a range of skin tones, highlighting the key differences to watch for.

Eczema Symptoms Across Skin Tones

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. While these core symptoms remain consistent across all skin tones, the visual appearance of inflammation can vary significantly.

Recognizing these differences is vital—it can impact how quickly and accurately eczema is diagnosed, especially on skin of color. For a broader overview of what eczema is, you might also find What Is Eczema? (And What It Isn’t) helpful.

Eczema on Light Skin Tones

On lighter skin tones, eczema often appears as red patches or areas of pronounced redness. These may be accompanied by:

• Small bumps that may ooze or crust over
• Scaling
• Thickened skin from chronic scratching (lichenification)

The redness is often the most visible and recognizable sign of inflammation on light skin.

Eczema on Darker Skin Tones

Eczema can look quite different on darker skin tones. Rather than bright redness, the skin may show:

• Purple, ashen grey, or dark brown patches
• Subtle or less visible inflammation
• Classic symptoms like intense itching, dryness, bumps, and thickened skin—though the visual clues may be harder to spot

Note: The pigment melanin, more abundant in darker skin, can affect how inflammation appears. Redness may be masked, making eczema show up in darker shades instead.

The National Eczema Association has expanded its visual resources to better illustrate how eczema looks on different skin tones—a valuable step in improving awareness and diagnosis. You can find the visual guide here.

Why Eczema Appears Differently Across Skin Tones

The key difference comes down to melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. In individuals with more melanin:

• Redness is often less visible
• Inflammation may appear purple, grey, or deep brown
• The condition can be harder to visually identify at early stages

This doesn’t mean the inflammation is any less severe—just that it may be easier to miss or misinterpret, especially by those unfamiliar with eczema on skin of color.

The Importance of Recognizing Eczema on All Skin Tones

Understanding how eczema presents across the skin tone spectrum helps improve care in several important ways:

• Timely Diagnosis: Early identification can lead to faster treatment and relief.
• Appropriate Treatment: Recognizing appearance differences allows for better-informed care decisions.
• Preventing Delays: Subtle signs on darker skin shouldn’t be overlooked—awareness helps prevent misdiagnosis.
• Addressing Disparities: Accurate recognition helps close gaps in dermatological care for diverse communities.

To explore the different types of eczema more broadly, check out Our Guide to the Different Types of Dermatitis.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you’re experiencing persistent itching, dryness, or visible skin changes that don’t improve with basic skincare, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider. Regardless of skin tone, be prepared to describe:

• What your skin looks like
• How it feels
• How long symptoms have persisted

Early evaluation increases the chances of receiving an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. For insight into what to expect during a visit, see How Doctors Diagnose Eczema (What to Expect).

Tips for Managing Eczema on All Skin Tones

While eczema may look different, the fundamentals of care remain the same:

• Moisturize regularly: Hydration helps repair and strengthen the skin barrier.
• Use gentle skincare: Avoid harsh soaps, fragrances, and irritants.
• Identify and avoid triggers: These might include allergens, stress, weather, or fabrics.
• Follow your treatment plan: Use any prescribed medications consistently.
• Protect your skin: Avoid scratching and rubbing to prevent further irritation.

If you’re interested in learning more about what can make eczema flare up, you may want to read:
Understanding Trigger Categories: Irritants, Allergens, and More
Atopic Dermatitis: Top 10 Triggers
Contact Dermatitis: Top 10 Triggers

Takeaway: Eczema Looks Different—But It’s Treatable

Eczema doesn’t always look the same—but the symptoms tell the story. Whether your skin shows red, purple, or dark brown patches, the underlying issues of itchiness, dryness, and inflammation are clear signs. Recognizing these differences in how eczema appears on different skin tones is essential for early, equitable, and effective care.

Wondering how eczema changes over time?
Learn more in Understanding the Stages of an Eczema Flare-Up.