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Ife Rodney, MD, is a Black dermatologist who knows a thing or two about eczema.

Person on bed putting cream on their arm.

Prostock-Studio

Here is her storyand her time-tested tips for caring for her own eczemaas told to health writer Beth Krietsch.

I started experiencing eczema symptoms as a child.

My main eczema symptom has always been havingvery dry skinthat felt impossible to moisturize.

Throughout the years, I also had rashes that would flare up from time to time and then improve.

Id scratch them so much and nothing gave me any relief.

Ultimately, thats when I diagnosed myself with eczema.

At that point, I decided to make some changes to the way I cared for my skin.

Here are my tried-and-true eczema skin-care tips.

Instead, I take short, lukewarm showers, where Im in and out.

Another important lifestyle habit I use to treat my eczema is moisturizing my skin immediately after showering.

Then I applymoisturizerall over my skin.

Sometimes I like to use oatmeal-based skin-care products too.

So I check that to avoid moisturizers, soaps, detergents, and other products that contain added fragrances.

There are also prescription medications to treat eczema.

Initially, prescription steroid creams were only moderately effective for me.

There are a few things to know about eczema in melanin-rich skin.

Eczema in darker skin can also have a dark brown or purplish appearance.

When the discoloration persists even after the eczema calms down, we call it post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

If you experience hyperpigmentation, waiting it out is important.

I like to use a broad-spectrum,mineral sunscreenall over my skin, including on my arms and legs.

Being careful not to scratch your skinwhich is easier said than donealso reduces inflammation and helps prevent further discoloration.

I emphasize to my patients that they shouldnt expect their symptoms to completely disappear once they start treatment.