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Will eczema scar my baby?

Will eczema scar my baby?

What is a scar? Eczema, most of the time, will not leave a scar like you have when you fell off of your bike and sliced open your knee. But depending on your skin color, you may be left with some discoloration known as postinflammatory hypopigmentation (skin lightening) or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) after the acute flare resolves. 

More extensive eczema scarring could occur due to excessive, long-term scratching on itch-prone skin. Untrimmed long nails can cause deep erosions on skin that have already been weakened by eczema.

Will Eczema Scars Go Away?

Eczema scarring often fades on its own over time, depending on how extensive the scars are. Light scarring or hypopigmentation tends to occur because after the skin is irritated, it produces less melanin. Melanin is what gives us our skin color.  

  • Hypopigmentation is more evident in people with darker skin, as the lightened area will stand out more.  
  • Also, when the affected area is exposed to sunlight, the skin that has functioning melanin surrounding the zone of eczema takes more color, and the lightening of the skin in the zone of eczema is more pronounced.
  • Dark, hyperpigmented scars tend to happen in people with darker skin tones. This kind of temporary scarring happens not just in eczema but in conditions like after getting bit by an insect, with acne, and any other condition that causes skin inflammation. 
  • These lesions may feel like they take forever to go away, but they usually start to fade in 4 to 6 months if the itch-scratch cycle is stopped. 

It is possible to lighten dark scars with the same methods used to remove lighter scarring, and it is also possible to cover up hyperpigmented eczema scars with makeup or clothing.

How to Lighten Scarring from Eczema?

Use a sunblock that is made for sensitive skin. Find a product that avoids irritants like parabens with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Using sunblock daily will protect the skin and prevent surrounding unaffected skin from getting darker, thus reducing the contrast between affected and unaffected skin.

Prevent and Treat First

The best way to reduce scarring from eczema is to prevent it in the first place. Three effective preventative measures for eczema in babies, children, and adults include:

Skin Care 

The proper skincare routine can help soothe eczema symptoms and prevent future flare-ups. Daily baths in warm water in which you cleanse skin with a gentle baby eczema shampoo, rinse away all suds, and gently pat skin dry are key. Using a moisturizing cream for eczema after bath time and throughout the day will also go a long way toward preventing eczema scarring and relieving symptoms. If your eczema is not improving with the regular skincare mentioned above, you should see your health care provider. Prescription steroid creams or ointments and non-steroidal prescribed topical medications are frequently needed to control an aggressive eczema flare.

Sunblock 

Keep up with your twice-daily moisturizing cream routine, even when using sunblock.

Itch Control – Scratching eczema rashes can cause scarring, irritation, and infection, so controlling your baby’s itching is vital. Keep your baby’s nails clipped short and prevent itching at night or naptime by placing cotton mittens on your baby’s hands. Consult your healthcare provider if you or your child cannot sleep due to itching.

Manage Triggers 

Triggers are environmental factors that can cause or worsen an eczema flare-up. Common triggers include extreme temperatures, restrictive clothing, irritating materials like wool or polyester, harsh products like soaps, fragranced detergents, scented dryer sheets, and household cleaners.

You can also soothe eczema symptoms and prevent further irritation by using Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo and Body Wash, an eczema shampoo specifically designed for sensitive young skin. Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream avoids irritants like parabens, other preservatives, and fragrance additives known to worsen already sensitive skin.

Treat Early

Treating your baby’s eczema as soon as you notice it is essential. Early treatment will reduce the risk of scarring in hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation and significantly improve the quality of your little one’s life.

FAQs

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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Can eczema turn into scars?

It doesn’t lead to scars. However, scratching can cause the area to turn into wounds or damage blisters, contributing to the formation of scars.

Do eczema spots go away?

Eczema symptoms usually fade out within weeks or months if not treated and exposed to triggers. However, proper treatment can limit this time to just a few weeks.

Can eczema skin return to normal?

Usually, the skin returns to normal if treated properly. However, some Eczema may flare up for a long time.

Can eczema recover naturally?

Various home remedies have proven effective in the treatment of Eczema. However, you must remember that it is a long-term disease that may require proper medication.

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