Eczema comparison

Three pairs of the backs of knees of children showing eczema on the skin: the first with red, irritated patches; the second with dry, darkened areas; and the third with thick, scaly, and inflamed skin behind the knees.

Eczema of the popliteal fossa on White, Brown, and Black skin for comparison.

Key observations:

Redness vs. Hyperpigmentation: In lighter skin tones, redness is a common hallmark of eczema, while in darker skin tones, hyperpigmentation or grayish discoloration is more common.
Scaling: Scaling tends to be more noticeable on Black skin due to the contrast with the darker pigmentation.
Visibility of Inflammation: The visual cues for inflammation differ, with redness being prominent in lighter skin and color changes (darkening or graying) in darker skin.

This website was developed by the
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI)
and the
Allergy & Asthma Network (AAN)
for professionals and people of color with eczema.

The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy, and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org.

Founded in 1985, Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading nonprofit outreach, education, advocacy and research organization for people and families living with allergies, asthma and related conditions. Our mission is simple yet profound: to end needless death and suffering from these diseases, empower people to take control of their health, and make healthcare more inclusive, equitable and accessible. We specialize in making medically accurate information understandable to all while promoting evidence-based care. We are committed to raising awareness, promoting understanding, sharing resources, fostering collaboration, and advocating for policies and research that enhance quality of life and improve health outcomes. Learn more at AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.

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