Doctor V - How To Treat Eczema | Skin Of Colour | Brown Or Black Skin

Summary

Dr. Benito Ratan's video focuses on eczema treatment for skin of color, addressing common mistakes and offering a step-by-step skincare routine. He emphasizes avoiding fragrances and essential oils that can irritate the skin barrier, especially in children. Dr. Ratan discusses the importance of using 'clean' products, managing eczema flare-ups with moisturizers and steroids, and the link between eczema and hyperpigmentation in skin of color. He advises waiting until skin is fully recovered before treating pigmentation and invites viewers to join his community for further support.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Benito Ratan is a doctor and cosmetic formulator specializing in skin of color, focusing on eczema treatment and care.
• 🔍 Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, presents with symptoms like itchiness, redness, inflammation, and skin thickening.
• 🧒 Eczema is more common in children, with an estimated 10% of children affected, and often starts in childhood.
• ❌ A common mistake in treating eczema is using products with fragrance or essential oils, which can further irritate the skin.
• 🚫 Dr. Ratan advises avoiding products with denatured alcohol, fragrance, and essential oils, as they can dry out and sensitize the skin.
• 🛡️ For eczema care, it's crucial to use 'clean' products that are free from harmful irritants to protect the compromised skin barrier.
• 🚿 Shortening showers to 5-10 minutes and using lukewarm water can help prevent skin dryness, which is exacerbated by hot water.
• 🧴 Applying body oil immediately after showering while the skin is still wet helps lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
• 💊 Antihistamines and steroids can provide temporary relief during eczema flare-ups, but their use requires careful balance to avoid side effects.
• 🔄 Eczema can lead to a cycle of inflammation and hyperpigmentation, especially for skin of color, due to the body's response to scratching and irritation.
• 🌟 Post-eczema care should focus on healing the skin and maintaining moisture before addressing pigmentation issues with products like tyrosinase inhibitors.

Q & A

What is another term for eczema?

Another term for eczema is atopic dermatitis.

What are the common symptoms of eczema?

Common symptoms of eczema include itchiness, redness, inflammation, and thickening of the skin known as lichenification.

Why is it important to be cautious with products used on eczema-prone skin?

Products used on eczema-prone skin should be cautious because the skin barrier is compromised, making it less protective and more susceptible to irritation from ingredients like fragrances and essential oils.

What are some ingredients to avoid in skincare products for those with eczema?

Ingredients to avoid in skincare products for eczema include denatured alcohol, fragrance, and essential oils, as they can further irritate and dry out the skin.

What is the significance of the 'Inky List' mentioned in the script?

The 'Inky List' refers to the ingredients list on a product, which is in descending order of quantity. It is important for consumers to understand what is in their skincare products to avoid harmful ingredients.

What is the 'Triangle of Atopic' mentioned in the video?

The 'Triangle of Atopic' refers to the common co-occurrence of atopic dermatitis (eczema), asthma, and hay fever, which often appear together.

Why does eczema in skin of color often lead to hyperpigmentation?

Eczema in skin of color often leads to hyperpigmentation because any form of inflammation can cause darkening of the skin, and constant scratching and inflammation from eczema exacerbate this issue.

What is the recommended shower duration and water temperature for someone with eczema?

For someone with eczema, it is recommended to keep showers to 5 to 10 minutes and use lukewarm water to avoid drying out the skin.

Why should individuals with eczema avoid using bar soaps?

Individuals with eczema should avoid bar soaps because they tend to be more alkaline, which can further compromise the skin barrier.

What type of moisturizer is recommended for eczema-prone skin?

For eczema-prone skin, it is recommended to use an occlusive, thicker moisturizer with petrolatum, which feels thick on the skin and helps trap water in, rather than lotions with high water content that can evaporate quickly.

How can antihistamines help with eczema?

Antihistamines can provide temporary relief from itching during eczema flare-ups by reducing the histamine response in the body.

What is the role of steroids in managing eczema?

Steroids can help reduce inflammation and itching in eczema, but they should be used with caution as long-term use can lead to skin thinning and other side effects.

Why should tyrosinase inhibitors not be used during an active eczema flare-up?

Tyrosinase inhibitors should not be used during an active eczema flare-up because they can further irritate the already compromised skin and worsen the condition.