What should you know about hand eczema black skin?

Inflamed eczema is not always visibly red on deeply pigmented skin. Look for a change from your usual colour, swelling, warmth, thickening, dryness, scaling or a rough texture. Itching and stinging may be prominent, and cracks can form around the knuckles or finger webs. After inflammation settles, darker or lighter patches may remain; this is a change in pigment after inflammation, not dirt or poor hygiene. Repeated exposure to water, detergents, solvents, fragrances and friction can keep the barrier inflamed.

Use a fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water, then pat rather than rub. Apply a thick moisturiser after every wash and whenever the skin feels tight; [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) can be part of a structured plan. Wear suitable gloves for cleaning or wet work, but change them if sweat or irritation builds up. A clinician may prescribe [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) for active inflammation. Do not use a strong steroid borrowed from someone else. Persistent eczema may be assessed for [Narrowband UVB Phototherapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/narrowband-uvb-phototherapy/), with skin tone and pigment changes considered.

Arrange medical review when cracks are deep, bleeding, painful or affecting hand movement; [Cracked Skin](/symptoms/skin-cracking/) can provide an additional guide. Seek prompt care for pus, spreading warmth, swelling, fever or rapidly worsening pain. A persistent patch that changes in texture, colour or shape deserves assessment, particularly when one hand is affected or the diagnosis is uncertain.

How does the colour change fit with eczema on my skin tone? Could an allergy or infection be contributing? Which moisturiser and steroid strength are appropriate? How will we monitor pigment changes and protect cracks while the eczema heals?