Can eczema leave brown spots?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition characterised by red patches, fine blisters, and scales . The skin in the areas affected by eczema also tends to become rough, eventually presenting crusts and oozing. These various symptoms are accompanied by itching. Eczema is a chronic disease characterised by periods when the lesions worsen, known as eczema flare-ups, and periods of remission. There are several forms of eczema , the most common being atopic eczema, which has a genetic component , and contact eczema, also known as allergic eczema.

It happens that eczema leaves scars, sometimes in the form of brown spots. When the skin is irritated or under the effect of scratching, it triggers an inflammatory response, resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α). These cytokines then activate the protein kinases A and C (PKA and PKC), molecules that allow the phosphorylation and thus the activation of certain proteins involved in melanogenesis. The melanocytes are then stimulated and the synthesis of melanin begins. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more common in people with dark skin. Indeed, the main form of melanin produced by these people is eumelanin, the darkest form of pigment. This increases the risks of brown spots.