Atopic dermatitis can change skin color in two ways: hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation
Dark patches, also called postinflammatory pigmentation, can also be left over after an atopic dermatitis flare has calmed down and healed.
Dennie-Morgan folds, or wrinkling under the eyes accompanied by dark circles, can also occur in more severe cases of atopic dermatitis.
Constant scratching at itchy areas can also lead to a thickening of the skin called lichenification. This can result in hyperpigmented, dry, scaly, leathery areas that may be dark pink on pale skin or slate gray on darker skin.
Hypopigmentation
A type of low-grade atopic dermatitis called pityriasis alba can also result in hypopigmentation. The condition typically affects children and teenagers. Usually, anywhere from 1 to 20 round or oval patches appear on the skin, mostly on the face, but also on the neck, shoulders, and upper arms.
Darker skin is more likely to be affected by pityriasis alba, often after too much sun exposure. This type of atopic dermatitis differs from typical eczema in that it causes little or no itch.
