Eczema Scars: Causes, Treatment, And Prevention

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What to know about eczema scars

Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — Written by Danielle Dresden — Updated on September 10, 2025

Causes
Treatment
Prevention
Seeing a doctor
Summary

Eczema can sometimes cause temporary changes in pigmentation, which people may refer to as scars. They often resolve in a few weeks, but managing eczema can also help avoid them.

Without prompt treatment, eczema can also cause skin thickening. Patches can leave skin changes that persist for longer, although they often fade as a person ages. Applying topical creams from the start can help prevent this.

Eczema is the term for a group of common conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated. It affects about 31.6 million people in the United States. The symptoms can vary, but they often include itchy, dry skin with swollen, weeping, and crusty patches.

Some people might also notice pigmentation changes, or dyspigmentation, in the skin once eczema has settled down. This symptom may resemble an eczema scar, but the skin will regain its usual appearance in time.

Learning more about what causes the skin to erupt and itch can help people treat eczema and prevent it from getting worse.

»MORE:Get an online treatment plan for eczema in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.

Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

Causes of pigmentation changes

eczema rash on a person's elbow — Muanpare Wanpen/Shutterstock

Changes in pigmentation are generally the result of damage to the skin.

Eczema can cause such severe itching that people scratch their skin until it bleeds, putting them at risk of infection. This damage to the skin can contribute to dyspigmentation as eczema heals.

The intolerable itching is often due to flare-ups, during which symptoms worsen. Many different environmental factors can cause flare-ups, but common triggers include:

dust mites
cold weather
animal dander from household pets
rough or wool clothing, plus clothes made from polyester or nylon
pollen
mold
household cleaners
tobacco
laundry detergent
chlorine in swimming pools
sun exposure
sunscreen

The chronic itching may become so severe that it causes other problems, such as:

loss of sleep
anxiety
depression
infections
the “itch-scratch-itch cycle,” where itching leads to scratching, which leads to itching, and so on

Damage to the skin, possibly resulting in pigmentation changes, can be the end result of this cycle.

Treatment of pigmentation changes

People with eczema can work with their healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that lowers their risk of experiencing temporary skin pigmentation changes.

Treatment for eczema generally involves:

identifying and avoiding triggers that make eczema worse
bathing and moisturizing regularly, using mild or hypoallergenic products
using over-the-counter medication, such as hydrocortisone cream or oral antihistamines
monitoring the skin for infections and treating them promptly
using prescription steroid creams

It is common for people with skin conditions such as eczema to consider alternative or complementary treatments, but experts recommend speaking with a healthcare professional before trying them.

There is a lack of scientific evidence to support these practices and show how they affect users, particularly children.

Researchers have found that the following medicinal plants may help treat eczema:

aloe vera
neem
chamomile
borage
oils, such as
- olive oil
- safflower seed oil
- sunflower seed
- argan oil
- cocout oil

However, more research is necessary to confirm their effectiveness. Before using a plant-derived treatment on eczema, it is best to apply it to a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to see if it causes irritation.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that there is little to no evidence to support the use of the following for treating eczema:

evening primrose oil
borage oil
multivitamin supplements
zinc
probiotics

»Learn more:How to perform a patch test for skincare products

Prevention of pigmentation changes

Refraining from scratching the skin during an eczema flare-up can minimize the extent of pigmentation changes. Although dyspigmentation occurs as part of the flare-up, scratching can make it worse.

The best way to avoid changes in pigmentation is to take steps to manage eczema and prevent flare-ups.

People may be able to do this by:

taking short baths or showers in lukewarm, but never hot, water
using fragrance-free or hypoallergenic skin care and bathing products
testing any new skin products on a small area of skin before applying them more extensively
moisturizing the skin regularly and frequently
avoiding extreme temperatures
wearing loose-fitting clothing
using hypoallergenic, or fragrance- and dye-free, detergent to wash clothes
washing new clothes before wearing them
choosing clothes made from cotton and other natural breathable fabrics and avoiding wearing wool next to the skin

People can also try to identify any other personal triggers of eczema flare-ups and avoid these where possible.

When to see a doctor

Although there is no cure for eczema, seeking treatment can help people find relief and learn how to manage their symptoms more effectively.

It is advisable to see a doctor for evaluation if the following symptoms develop in children or adults:

itchy and painful skin
skin rash
bleeding or oozing skin
pus-filled bumps on the skin
skin infections
numerous deep lines in the palm
mental health issues

Anyone who finds that dyspigmentation due to eczema is affecting their quality of life should consider seeing a dermatologist.

Dermatologists can help people improve the appearance of their skin and limit the impact of future eczema flare-ups.

»FIND CARE:Find a dermatologist in your area today.

Summary

Eczema refers to a group of common skin conditions that cause uncomfortable symptoms, including itching. Some people may notice temporary changes in pigmentation in the affected areas of skin, which may resemble scarring.

There is no cure for eczema, but effective management can help keep the symptoms under control. Treatment typically involves identifying and avoiding triggers for eczema flare-ups, following a healing skin care routine, and using medication according to a doctor’s instructions.

Following a treatment plan can help reduce the damage to the skin, lowering the chance of dyspigmentation.

Dermatology
Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

6 tips: What you need to know about complementary health approaches for skin conditions. (n.d.).https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/tips-what-you-need-to-know-about-complementary-health-approaches-for-skin-conditions
Atopic dermatitis. (2022).https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis#tab-symptoms
Eczema stats. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/research/eczema-facts/
Eczema treatments. (2025). https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/
Ludmann P. (2023). Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis symptoms.https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis/symptoms
Poonam A, et al. (2022). Curative potency of medicinal plants in management of eczema: A conservative approach.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031322000422
Scars: Overview. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/scars-overview
Skin conditions and complementary health approaches: What the science says. (2021).https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/skin-conditions-and-complementary-health-approaches-science
Triggers for eczema. (n.d.).https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/triggers-for-eczema/

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Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — Written by Danielle Dresden — Updated on September 10, 2025

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Tag » How To Get Rid Of Eczema Scars

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Causes of pigmentation changes

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