Eczema on Face: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

Eczema on the face is a skin condition that causes dryness, itchiness, and flaking. It is also physically and psychologically uncomfortable because of its prominence.

Over 10 percent of the population in the U.S. has various forms of eczema, which involve the face. The symptoms may vary from one individual to another and affect different areas of the body, including the face.

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for eczema, but a variety of treatments can help with controlling the symptoms and make one feel better. In this blog, we will look at what eczema on the face is, the causes, symptoms, and forms of treatment applied.

What are the Types of Facial Eczema?

There are many different types of eczema on the face. Some of the most common include:

• Atopic Eczema

Atopic eczema is the most common kind of eczema, and such usually initially starts off in childhood. Infants and young children may have eczema affecting their cheeks and the extensor surfaces of the arms and/or legs and also around the mouth, while in older children, it affects the eyelids. In adults, the atopic eczema affecting the face may occur around the eyes and lips, where the skin is most sensitive.

• Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is another kind of eczema common among adults. In most instances, it is referred to as dandruff because it affects your scalp, face, and chest. [2] The causes include an overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia. Symptoms include dry and itchy, flaky skin, often involving the ears, eyebrows, and around the nose.

• Contact Eczema on the Face

Contact eczema or contact dermatitis is an irritation or allergic reaction of the skin to a substance making contact with your skin. It can take the form of lesions around the lips, eyelids, and cheeks. This is most likely when triggered by makeup, skincare products, or even certain metals like nickel in jewelry. [3]

• Light Sensitive Eczema

Some people develop eczema, seemingly as an allergic reaction to sunlight or due to changed humidity. Light-sensitive eczema often involves those parts of the face and neck that are usually exposed to sunlight. It can also make an individual burn easily when they are in the sun.

What Are the Symptoms of Eczema Flares on My Face?

Facial eczema may be slight or severe. Symptoms include:

• Redness and swelling (inflammation)
• Itchy skin
• Discoloration – depending on skin color, red, purple, or brown patches
• Flaky, scaly, dry patches [4]
• Wrinkles under the eyes
• Small bumps or blisters
• Soreness or discomfort

The most common areas of involvement are the cheeks, forehead, chin, and around the lips and eyes. Symptoms of irritation can be very different depending on skin type and individual sensitivity.

Causes of Facial Eczema

The exact cause of eczema remains unknown, but several factors are considered to develop eczema:

• Genetics: The risk is increased when individuals have a family medical history of conditions like eczema, asthma, and allergies. [5]
• Immune response: Sometimes, the immune system mistakes the irritants for something more severe and reacts with an over-response through inflammation of those areas.
• Skin barrier dysfunction: A weakened skin barrier makes it difficult to retain moisture, thus leaving the skin exposed to allergens and irritants.

What Triggers Eczema on Your Face?

Eczema flare-ups are usually triggered after exposure to certain environmental irritants or allergens. The most common things that may trigger eczema include the following:

• Soaps, detergents, and cosmetic makeup
• Dry weather or low humidity
• Stress and hormonal changes
• Exposure to certain pollutants and, importantly, cigarette smoke
• Certain fabrics (e.g., wool)
• Sun exposure and sweat from exercise

How Is Facial Eczema Prevented?

Flare-ups can be minimized by observing the following:

• Keep your skin well-moisturized: Some mild moisturizers applied two times a day will always keep the skin well-moisturized. [6]
• Avoid any harsh soaps, exfoliants, or toners: The skin should always be treated with gentle products.
• Skip makeup during flare-ups: Cosmetics irritate them even more, and it is better to leave them alone at times of flare-ups.
• Use sunscreen: Protect your skin from sun damage and extreme temperatures.
• Smell-free product options: Fragrances can cause irritation to sensitive skin, so it’s best to choose unscented options.
• Pat dry: You should pat dry your face instead of rubbing it with the towel.
• Manage allergies: Untreated allergies can be a cause for eczema flare-ups; hence, they need to be treated.

How is Eczema on Your Face Diagnosed?

There is no single test to diagnose eczema. Healthcare providers will evaluate your symptoms and medical history based on the following:

• Physical Examination: The provider will account for signs of eczema, such as dry patches and discoloration of the skin. [7]
• Patch Testing: This may reveal an allergic cause for your symptoms.
• Additional Tests: These include skin scraping, blood tests, or skin biopsy, which may be done in certain situations to rule out the presence of any other condition or to identify the underlying cause.

A thorough diagnosis helps prepare an appropriate treatment plan for your needs.

Management and Treatment of Facial Eczema

Eczema cannot be cured, but it can be kept under effective management. The mode of treatment mainly focuses on the identification of triggers and the relief of symptoms when the condition flares up. Here are common treatments:

Topical Treatments

• Topical Steroids

These are sometimes the first line of defense against an outbreak of eczema. Over-the-counter cream can help soothe itchy skin. In more serious cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger topical steroids. Use these with caution; the longer one uses them, the thinner the skin becomes. [8]

• Calcineurin Inhibitors

In the case of inefficiency of topical steroids, your doctor may prescribe calcineurin inhibitors. These are drugs that block some immune responses and scale down inflammation. Thus, they are very effective against facial eczema, especially for sensitive areas around the eyelids and neck folds.

Other Medical Treatments

• Phototherapy

Ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy is thought of when the patient has moderate to severe eczema that is resistant even to topical treatments. While effective, this is associated with an augmented risk of skin cancer in the future, so great caution is called for.

• Antihistamines

Over-the-counter antihistamines can be prescribed to reduce itching and swelling. If your symptoms are relentless, your doctor may prescribe immunosuppressants for you to keep severe inflammation under control.

• Antifungal Treatments

In instances where one’s eczema is known to be caused by a fungal infection, there is a need for treatment with antifungals. Sometimes, some topical JAK inhibitors, such as Opzelura 1.5%, may be utilized twice a day for great relief among individuals aged 12 and above. [9]

Skincare Tips for Facial Eczema

Maintaining good skincare is often the key player to managing eczema:

• Keep skin moisturized: Apply thick creams or ointments, such as Cetaphil or Vaseline, while the skin is still damp after washing the face.
• Mild cleansers alone: Avoid soaps that strip water from the skin. Non-soap cleansers or emollient-type preparations are preferred.
• Pat dry the face: Use a soft towel because further irritation may be caused by the roughness of the towel.
• Avoid makeup on active flare-ups: Makeup can irritate eczema further and delay the healing process.

How to Choose the Right Products for Facial Eczema

When selecting skin care products, prioritize those that are:

• Fragrance-free and dye-free
• For sensitive skin.
• Greasy or thick ointments or creams
• Free from preservatives and stabilizers
• Enriched with lipids and ceramides, which help take care of the skin barrier.

How Soon After Treatment Will I Feel Better?

It would take several weeks for flare-ups of eczema to clear upon proper treatment. The recovery can be accelerated by using prescribed creams, keeping moisturizers frequently, and avoiding any triggers. This will minimize flare-ups in the future by continuing regular skin care and avoiding known irritants.

What Can I Expect If I Have Eczema on My Face?

Eczema is a chronic condition that might flare up because of environmental triggers. Treatment may alleviate some symptoms, but the rest may take time to resolve completely. The application of unscented moisturizers will maintain hydration and thus reduce flare-ups.

Those who struggle with visible facial eczema often experience self-esteem issues. If emotional distress develops or symptoms worsen, consultation with your health professional is vital.

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?

While some people can control facial eczema with self-care alone, others require medical assistance. [10] You should consult your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Persistent or worsening itching
• Extensive inflammation
• Bleeding or oozing of the affected regions
• Pain and swelling
• Yellow crusts on the skin
• Interrupted sleep due to discomfort

Confirmation of the diagnosis requires a dermatologist or allergist who, based on these symptoms, will make a detailed prescription plan, including over-the-counter and prescription medications. They can also help find out what acts as a trigger to minimize future flare-ups.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• How can I prevent flares of eczema from occurring on my face?
• What might have triggered my flare-up?
• What are the most recommended moisturizers?
• How often should I apply moisturizer?
• Could I have food allergies?
• Are there any side effects of medications that are prescribed for me?

The Bottom Line

It is important to remember that facial eczema is manageable but not curable. With correct treatment and avoidance of triggers, flare-ups can be kept to a minimum, and the skin will remain healthy in the process. To effectively control eczema, it is very important to use regular moisturizing and gentle skin care products. If symptoms worsen, consult your health professional for further advice.

If you have eczema or any other skin condition, feel free to reach out to us at UV Treat. The professionals there will try to assist in the best possible way, along with personalized advice and recommendations for treatment.