How One Woman Turned Her Battle With Eczema Into a Lifeline for Black Women Around the World
For Cynthea Corfah, eczema has been a lifelong companion—one that has challenged her confidence, shaped her identity, and ultimately inspired her to create a powerful community for Black women navigating the chronic skin condition. Today, Corfah is the founder of Black Girls With Eczema, a growing platform dedicated to representation, support, and shared healing. But her journey began years earlier, with a moment that left a lasting emotional imprint.
A Pageant Experience That Sparked a Movement
When Corfah was a junior in high school, she competed in a regional pageant after winning a local competition. Though she was experiencing an eczema flare, she stepped onstage in a floral sundress, hoping judges would see her confidence—not her skin. But afterward, she received only one piece of feedback: she needed to “cover bruises better.”
The patches weren’t bruises at all—they were dry eczema spots. The comment stayed with her for years, symbolizing not just a painful misunderstanding but also the invisibility of skin conditions in Black communities. “It was heartbreaking,” she recalls. “It felt like a slap in the face after showing up so vulnerably.”
Yet instead of allowing the moment to shrink her voice, Corfah continued forward—determined not to let eczema push her out of the spotlight.
Living With a Chronic Condition From Childhood
Corfah experienced her first major flare in sixth grade, when her ankle became so inflamed that the oozing skin caused her socks to dry and cling painfully by day’s end. Throughout her adolescence she managed flares with topical steroids, cycling through periods of calm and periods of discomfort.
As an adult, she turned to social media to document her attempt to heal her eczema naturally through diet changes, allergen avoidance, and stress reduction. Her openness captured the attention of the National Eczema Association, which invited her to share her story and eventually collaborate on larger projects, including moderating discussions for Black women at Eczema Expo, the organization’s annual event.
It was there that Corfah discovered the power of community. Her first Sister Circle—scheduled for 30 minutes—stretched beyond the time slot because no one wanted the conversation to end. “I realized I had to capture that energy more than once a year,” she says.
The Birth of Black Girls With Eczema
In July 2025, Corfah launched Black Girls With Eczema on Instagram, intending to create a dedicated space for women of color affected by the condition. Within a month, the account gained hundreds of followers worldwide, with women sharing stories, tears, and relief at finally seeing themselves represented.
“It’s a collective. It’s a movement,” Corfah says. Her posts explore everything from mental health and self-esteem to tips for navigating flare-ups and embracing your skin even on difficult days.
Followers frequently send emotional messages, grateful for visibility and validation. “This community is about making Black women feel seen and understood,” she explains. “It gives them a place to share experiences and realize they’re not alone.”
One highlight has been collaborating with influencers who also live with eczema. She connected with creator Jada Jones at Eczema Expo, and together they produced a joint post celebrating the unexpected bond formed through shared challenges.
Why Eczema Affects Black Women Differently
Corfah emphasizes that eczema presents differently on darker skin and affects Black women in uniquely personal and cultural ways.
Dryness is often stigmatized in the Black community—“being ashy” is considered undesirable. Yet dryness is a constant reality for many people with eczema, making flares emotionally difficult.
Hyperpigmentation adds another layer of complexity. After a flare, dark patches can linger, causing women to question their appearance. “When my skin darkened, I had to ask myself—does being fairer make me more beautiful? What does it mean when my eczema changes my complexion?” Corfah shares.
Hair care can also trigger or worsen symptoms. Black women are more likely to experience seborrheic dermatitis, a type of eczema affecting the scalp. Popular hair products often contain fragrances, nut oils, and other irritants that can spark allergic reactions. Corfah discovered she’s allergic to latex the hard way—after a quick weave application caused full-body hives.
“Finding natural hair products that support eczema-prone skin is extremely challenging,” she says.
The Power of Community Healing
Corfah is now expanding Black Girls With Eczema beyond Instagram. She hosted a virtual wellness walk for Eczema Awareness Month and is planning regional meetups, in-person gatherings, and ultimately a restorative retreat focused on nutrition, emotional healing, and stress management.
Her goal is impact—not follower count. “I’m interested in how many people we’re supporting and connecting,” she says. “Eczema can be isolating. If you don’t know anyone else who has it, you can feel completely alone.”
 |
| Corfah regularly travels to a nail salon in Baton Rouge that’s over an hour from her home in New Orleans. She says the time spent in the car is well worth it because her manicurist is sensitive to her needs. __ Cynthea Corfah |
Through her platform, Corfah hopes women will feel safe enough to share their experiences, find resources, and connect with empathetic professionals. She even travels more than an hour to visit a nail technician who understands her hand flares and works with products that don’t trigger reactions.
“Keep Showing Up”
As a model and advocate, Corfah wants Black women with eczema to stop dimming their light because of their skin. Recently, she attended five casting calls for New York Fashion Week—choosing visibility over fear.
Her message is clear and powerful:
“Keep showing up. Keep using your gifts. Keep taking up space. Don’t let eczema make you shrink yourself. Life is too short for that.”
Through Black Girls With Eczema, Corfah has created not just a community, but a lifeline—one that helps women feel understood, empowered, and beautifully unalone.
Top Suggestion: Kevin Federline Says He’s “Just Trying to Help” Britney Spears With His New Memoir
Popular Post: The Complete Chrishell Stause and G Flip Relationship Timeline: From Selling Sunset to Soulmates
Related Read: Jenna Ortega Stuns in Sheer Red Gown at Givenchy Spring 2026 Show in Paris
Black Girls With Eczema, Cynthea Corfah eczema story, eczema support for Black women, eczema community, eczema and hyperpigmentation, eczema natural healing journey, eczema representation, eczema awareness for Black women, atopic dermatitis Black women, eczema mental health, seborrheic dermatitis Black hair, eczema advocacy
