Overview
Facial eczema can be a challenging condition to manage. Facial eczema, a prevalent dermatological condition, can significantly impact one’s quality of life due to physical discomfort and visibility. Understanding its symptoms, types, treatment options, and management strategies is crucial for effectively addressing this condition. However, people can effectively reduce symptoms and enhance their quality of life and skin health with the proper knowledge, care, and skincare habits.
What is facial eczema?
Atopic dermatitis, another name for facial eczema, is a condition of the skin that results in red, itchy, and swollen spots on the face. It can affect people of all ages but is more common in infants and children. Eczema is not contagious and is believed to be caused by genetic and environmental factors.
“When someone has symptoms of Eczema, I evaluate their gut health first. Your digestive health directly affects your skin health.”
Says Dr. Tricia Pingel
The connection between Food, gut health, and eczema is increasingly recognized, with research suggesting that gut microbiome imbalances may contribute to eczema’s development and severity. Dysbiosis, or disruptions in the gut microbiota, can lead to immune system dysfunction and inflammation, exacerbating eczema symptoms. Factors such as leaky gut syndrome, the production of short-chain fatty acids by beneficial gut bacteria, and increased susceptibility to allergies and sensitivities further underscore the importance of gut health in eczema. While interventions like probiotics and dietary changes show promise in managing eczema by targeting gut health, more research is needed to understand and fully leverage this relationship for effective treatment strategies.
What are the symptoms of eczema on the face?
Eczema on the face, also known as facial eczema or atopic dermatitis, can present with various symptoms. Here are the possible symptoms:
Dry, sensitive skin
Eczema often causes dry, flaky, and sensitive skin. It may also feel rough and tight and be more prone to irritation and itching.
Itching
Itching is one of the main signs and symptoms of eczema, and it can be pretty severe and ongoing. Scratching the afflicted regions might aggravate the situation by causing more aggravation.
Red or brownish-gray patches
Red or brownish-gray skin patches can appear on the skin due to eczema. These patches come in various sizes and shapes and can be flat or slightly elevated.
Bumps
Eczema occasionally results in the development of tiny, elevated pimples on the skin. If scratched, these lumps could contain a clear fluid and become crusty.
Cracked or scaly skin
Skin that has eczema may become scaly, cracked, or thickened. The skin may appear uneven and rough as a result.
Swelling
Inflammation associated with eczema can cause the skin to become swollen and puffy, especially around the eyes and lips.
Weeping or oozing
Eczema can cause the affected skin to leak or flow fluid in extreme situations. This may cause the skin to develop scabs or crusts.
Burning or stinging
Some people with eczema may experience a burning or stinging sensation in the affected areas, especially when irritated or inflamed skin.
What are the types of eczema on the face?
Many types of eczema can affect the face. Each type has its specific characteristics and different triggers. Here are the main types of eczema that can occur on the face, along with detailed explanations:
Atopic dermatitis
The most common type of eczema, known as atopic dermatitis, typically affects the face, particularly in newborns and early children. It can lead to redness, swelling, and cracking, typified by dry, itchy skin. .
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis can occur when the skin reacts to an allergen or irritant and comes into contact with it.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a frequent type of eczema that affects the scalp but can also appear on the face. Stress, hormonal shifts, cold weather, and some drugs can all cause it.
Dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema, also known as pompholyx, is a type of eczema that affects the hands and feet but can sometimes occur on the face.
Nummular eczema
Nummular, sometimes called discoid eczema, is characterized by coin-shaped, circular areas of inflamed skin. These patches can be seen anywhere on the body, including the face.
Stasis dermatitis
Eczema, known as stasis dermatitis, primarily affects the lower legs and ankles, though it can occasionally spread to the face. Stasis dermatitis is more common in elderly persons and can cause skin discoloration, redness, swelling, and itching.
How to get rid of eczema on the face?
Eczema has no known treatment. However, you may do some things to lessen the frequency and intensity of flare-ups. In addition, there exist techniques to extend the intervals between exacerbations and to relax and soothe your skin in the midst of one.
A correct diagnosis of your symptoms is necessary for effective therapy to ensure that you or your child has atopic dermatitis and not one of the other types of face dermatitis. You can study the various forms of eczema. You can treat your eczema appropriately if you know what type it is. See your physician for guidance and recommendations on the best skin care practices. One of the most critical aspects of minimizing flare-ups is identifying potential triggers and taking precautions to avoid them.
Eczema on face treatment
Treatment for facial dermatitis must be cautious because the skin on our faces is prone to irritation and is susceptible to topical medication adverse effects.
Regular moisturisation
Prolonging the non-acute phase is the primary goal of daily care for atopic facial skin; moisturizing is essential. Be on the lookout for moisturizers (also called emollients) that have components that have been shown to work, like:
Licochalcone A: calms skin and lessens inflammation.
Ceramides: fortify the skin’s protective layer.
Omega-3 and Omega-6: restore the skin’s barrier integrity while calming and nourishing the skin.
These are the main ingredients of Eucerin AtoControl Face Care Cream, which has been shown to provide atopic skin with the daily support it requires to manage facial eczema.
Eczema cream for the face
During a flare-up, Eucerin AtopiControl Face Care Cream can also be used, but you might discover that your face needs extra attention to ease redness, irritation, and itching.
Eucerin AtopiControl Acute Care Cream has been carefully created to provide skin with the care and comfort it requires during flare-ups. It contains cooling Menthoxypropandiol and antibacterial Decanediol.
Both products can be used in addition to medical treatments, which frequently aid in reducing severe symptoms, as a face cream for eczema. Learn more about them in the section on Recognizing and controlling flare-ups.
Medical treatment for dermatitis on the face
For facial dermatitis, effective treatment involves avoiding triggers, adopting a gentle cleansing routine, and using medical products as needed. While mild cases may respond to consistent moisturizing and proper skincare, more severe cases often require topical treatments prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Topical corticosteroids
Steroid creams are crucial to getting rid of facial eczema, especially eczema on the cheek, because they ease red, itchy skin. If your doctor recommends, 1% hydrocortisone creams are preferred, as they pose less risk of skin thinning. The recommendation is for a short time, usually less than a month.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors
Instead, TCIs may be recommended to treat facial eczema. Non-steroidal drugs block the chemicals that can cause your eczema to flare up. Since these ointments and creams do not cause skin to thin out, they are frequently used to treat face eczema, including the area around the eyes and eyelids.
Ultraviolet phototherapy
This helps with moderate to severe facial eczema if topical cream medications have failed to treat the condition.
Antibiotics
Topical or oral antibiotics are added to the regimen for eczema with superadded bacterial infections. These help in treating bacterial infections. Examples include topical mupirocin cream or Oral cephalexin.
“What I have discovered once again, many years ago, is that probably the most important trigger and maintenance factor in so-called ASD or atopic skin disease or atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema, call it what you will, is infection of the skin with a bacterium called staphylococcus aureus. Central to a successful continuing outcome of treatment is you have to address the staph aureus. Meaning you’ve got to get rid of the bacteria to get lasting control of the eczema. Now, how that is achieved is another matter. Firstly, in the medical literature, it is clearly stated there between 70% and 90% of patients with active AE are infected with pathogenic, meaning virulent staphylococcus.”
Says Dr. Richard Aron, a world-renowned dermatologist who works on atopic eczema. In Cape Town, South Africa, he created the Aron Regimen.
Over the counter Medications
Moisturizers
Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated and help repair the skin barrier.
Hydrocortisone Cream
Low-strength hydrocortisone cream can help reduce itching and inflammation. It can help treat eczema on the face, eczema on the neck, the forehead or any other body area. Book a telemedicine consultation to discuss what suits you best.
Antihistamines
Over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin) can help relieve itching, especially at night.
How long does it take for eczema to clear up on the face?
Some things have a way of staying with us, refusing to fade away and overstaying their welcome, just like the symptoms of eczema, which can linger longer than we’d like—especially without treatment. While certain types of eczema do go away completely, others may flare again. This complex skin disease can start as early as the first few months of life and last into late adulthood (or stop in adulthood—or start in adulthood).
From the first onset of those familiar symptoms—dryness, itch, irritation—to when your skin is clear again, flare-ups can last approximately one to three weeks with the proper treatment. However, the duration of flare-ups can differ from person to person with eczema. It depends on the individual’s genetics, unique cytokine signature, and triggers a person is experiencing that could be driving the inflammatory process.
What are the tips for managing eczema on the face?
Managing eczema on the face involves a combination of self-care strategies, skincare practices, and possibly medical treatments. Here are some tips for managing eczema on the face:
Moisturize regularly
To avoid dryness and maintain moisture in the skin, use a light moisturizer without any smell. Apply moisturizer several times a day, especially after cleansing your face.
Use gentle cleansers
Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t cause irritation and warm water to wash your face. Avoid hot water and vigorous cleaning, as they aggravate the skin already.
Avoid triggers
Determine and avoid harsh soaps, detergents, specific foods, and allergens in the surroundings that aggravate your eczema.
Protect your skin
To protect your skin from the sun, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and wear hats and sunglasses.
Manage stress
Acne symptoms might aggravate under stress. Engage in stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
Avoid scratching
Scratching can cause skin infections and exacerbate eczema. To avoid scratching, wear gloves at night and keep your nails short.
Use prescribed medications
If over-the-counter treatments are ineffective, your dermatologist may prescribe topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or other drugs to manage your eczema.
Moisturize before bed
Applying a thick moisturizer before bed can help prevent itching and irritation while you sleep.
Avoid hot showers
The natural oils on the skin are washed away by hot water, which can make eczema worse. Take shorter showers and use lukewarm water instead.
Makeup
Select items free of fragrances and, ideally, that are good for delicate skin. Occasionally, putting makeup over a facial eczema rash can aggravate it more. Powders that absorb oil should be replaced with liquid foundations since they don’t exacerbate already-existing dryness. Before you go to bed, make sure you remove all of your makeup.
Food and eczema
Modifying one’s diet can help manage eczema by reducing inflammation and addressing potential triggers. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseeds, can help decrease inflammation. Avoiding common triggers like dairy, gluten, and processed foods may alleviate symptoms. Additionally, incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir can promote a healthy gut microbiome, potentially improving eczema symptoms.
When should I see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if:
- Your eczema is severe or widespread.
- Your eczema is not responding to over-the-counter treatments.
- You exhibit symptoms of an infection on your skin, like elevated temperature, redness, swelling, or pus.
- Your eczema is significantly impacting your quality of life or causing emotional distress.
- You have other symptoms accompanying your eczema, such as fever or swollen lymph nodes.
- You have a history of eczema and notice new or changing symptoms.
- Your eczema is on your face or around your eyes, as these areas are more sensitive and may require special care.
- You need help managing your eczema or need guidance on treatment options correctly.
FAQs about the treatment of eczema on the face
When you have eczema, you should use items that are safe for your skin type and won’t worsen it. The good news is that those with sensitive skin problems and eczema patients can use Vaseline® Jelly Original, according to the National Eczema Association.
To naturally heal face eczema, focus on gentle skincare by using mild, fragrance-free products and avoiding harsh chemicals. Keep your skin moisturized with natural oils like coconut or almond oil, and consider using soothing natural remedies like oatmeal baths or aloe vera. Additionally, identify and avoid triggers such as stress, certain foods, and environmental allergens to prevent flare-ups.
Certain products, such as Cetaphil lotion, Cerave moisturizing cream, and Aveeno parabens lotion, are made especially to be anti-itch, hypoallergenic, and suitable for those with eczema. Look for hydrating lotions containing shea butter or oats that aid skin prone to eczema.
