While I'm a very fair skinned AA woman my daughter is about Gabrielle Union's complexion. She inherited eczema from her father's side of the family and as she gets older, the breakouts have been more frequent in her face - leaving behind nasty dark spots. She also has these spots on her arms and legs and I just don't know what to do for her. We've seen a dermatologist (White I may add-there are very few in my area and this guy is one of the best) off and on for years and while the prescription medications work for a while, her problems continue to mount. Besides, the steroids, etc. in those products can't be healthy long-term. What step-by-step regimen would you recommend for her?

What can she use for a daily cleanser? Moisturizer? How can we fade this dark spots oncse and for all? She's a beautiful girl and I don't want her to grow self-conscious about her skin.

Please Help. Any recommendations are highly appreciated.

alkalineangel

Godiva - I suffer from eczema as well, and while I am white and dont suffer quite to that extent, I did have to go through the medications and steroids as your daughter does. I cant help you with the darkening as you mentioned, as my skin actually got light blotches, but I can tell you that Eucerin lotion really helped as a moisturizer. I took myself off the treatments, and started doing other things. The eucerin is great for moisturizing your skin and really helps with the itch. It is really wierd going on, it has the consistency of vaseline, but once it absorbs, youwill tell a difference. I use Oil of Olay face wash for sensitive skin. It really helps as well. I use skin so soft bar soap or dial lavender and oatmneal bar soap for the rest of my body as it doesnt further dry me out and also helps with the itch. Also if i get a really bad spot, an ice pack will help. good luck, and i hope i helped some.

Socacess

ALLERGIES!!!!
Since I was a young child I have had eczema. For about 24 years. Eczema is usually an allergic reaction to something. Send her to a specialist to get test for allergies. Steroid creams are only temporary relief, and for life you would have to use them in order for it to work. Steroid ointments also bleach the skin, and thins out the skin to the point where you begin to see blood vessels, and it also gives you stretch marks. Believe me...I know. I suggest that your doctor refers your daughter to a dermatologist for an allergy test, which is usually a skin prick test.
I hope everything works out.