Facial eczema can be particularly emotionally impactful due to being more visible than other areas of the body.
Facial Eczema
July 5, 2023
How to get rid of eczema on the face
Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition that often causes itchy, sore, dry, and cracked skin. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, usually develops in early childhood and is caused by a genetic weakness in the skin’s natural barrier function leading to dryness and inflammation. Eczema is related to other allergy-associated (atopic) conditions including asthma, hay fever and food allergies, all of these conditions have a genetic/inherited component meaning you are more likely to develop the condition if they run in your direct family. There is currently no cure for eczema but with treatment, it can significantly improve and even clear up completely.
This blog will mention the following:
1. What is eczema?
2. Symptoms of eczema on the face
3. The psychological burden of facial eczema
4. Causes of eczema on the face
5. Treatments for eczema on the face
6. When to seek medical advice
7. FAQs
1. What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition that causes patches of skin to become dry, itchy, sore, and cracked. In severe instances, eczema can also cause the skin to become bumpy and blistered. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, but it is important to know there are also different types of eczema including contact dermatitis, discoid eczema, and dyshidrotic eczema.
This condition can occur anywhere on the body at any age, but typically develops in childhood and most often affects the hands, face, scalp, insides of the elbows, and back of the knees. Eczema can look different for each person that is diagnosed with the condition.
Eczema is a variable condition which can be triggered by many different factors. General triggers which are relevant to most sufferers include anything that exacerbates skin dryness (soaps, dehydration, bathing in hot water) while more person-specific triggers may include diet, pollens and exposure to known allergens.
There is no cure for eczema and although treatments, medications, and home remedies are widely available to manage symptoms, it can be an extremely uncomfortable and painful condition that can have a significant impact on a patient's daily life.
2. Signs and symptoms of eczema on the face
Signs and symptoms of eczema on the face vary depending on the severity of the flare and the location of the affected skin. Skin tone plays a significant factor in the appearance of the condition. There may be periods when symptoms improve, followed by periods where they get worse, which are often referred to as ‘flare-ups’. It can affect any part of your face but is most commonly found on your eyelids, around the mouth and on the scalp.
Redness and changes in skin colour
Eczema on the face often presents itself as a red rash which may feel dry and flaky. The redness is often more noticeable on lightly pigmented skin, so if your skin is of a darker tone this may not be noticeable and may instead present as tiny, regular, raised bumps and uneven levels of pigmentation. Inflammation in the skin can lead to hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones (can we say pigmented skin?) or hypopigmentation in lighter skin tones Itching and soreness
Itchiness is the core symptom of eczema and indicates activity, and though facial eczema often feels itchy, it may also cause soreness, sensitivity and a sensation of skin tightness.
Itching and soreness
Itchiness is the core symptom of eczema, and though facial eczema often feels itchy, it may also cause soreness, sensitivity and a sensation of skin tightness.
Dryness and cracking
One of the core features of eczema is increased water loss from the skin, this leads to dryness which may lead to the skin having a dry appearance. Dry skin is also more susceptible to becoming cracked and in severe cases, can cause the skin to bleed.
Flaking
Inflammation can also lead to increased skin production, which in turn leads to an accumulation of dead skin causing flakiness.
Blistering
Severe facial eczema can lead to blistering. These blisters may sometimes weep or ooze. Blistering and oozing of the skin can also be a sign of infection so should be monitored closely.
3. The psychological burden of facial eczema
Even mild eczema can cause a significant psychological burden, the constant desire to scratch the itch and the relapsing nature of the condition can take their toll on even the most resilient individuals.
Facial eczema can be particularly emotionally impactful due to being more visible than other areas of skin on the body. This can lead to the urge to use makeup and cosmetic products to cover up affected areas, further triggering flares and exacerbating the issue.
4.Causes of eczema on the face
Facial eczema can flare for multiple reasons, learning to understand your skin and your own personal triggers can help you reduce the severity and number of these flares.
Genetics
Individuals with eczema have a genetic/inherited weakened skin barrier which leads to increased water loss, penetration of bacteria, and irritants which subsequently leads to dysregulated inflammation in the skin. Because this is a genetic problem the underlying weakness cannot be permanently fixed and explains the relapsing nature of the condition. The key is to restore the skin barrier function by adding moisture to the skin and preventing further moisture loss through the regular use of emollients.
Environmental factors
The genetic vulnerabilities in the skin can be further exacerbated by environmental factors, which can trigger itch, scratting and inflammation in the skin. Common environmental triggers include dry or dusty air, dampness, hot and cold weather, animal fur, pollen, dust mites, and mould.
Lifestyle choices
Your lifestyle choices may also be causing facial eczema. The skin on the face is delicate and sensitive which makes it more susceptible to irritation and eczema. People should be extra cautious when applying any products to the face including cosmetics, soaps and cleansers. It is crucial to avoid any harsh soaps which will exacerbate moisture loss from the skin. Even products which are labelled as being natural or delicate can contain chemicals which irritate the skin.
Stress
Stress impacts our hormone levels and affects our immune system. Stress also changes our perception of subjective symptoms such as itch and soreness. Both of these factors can lead to eczema flaring.
5. Treatments for eczema on the face
There are a few different treatment options for facial eczema but any option needs to be carefully considered given the delicate nature of facial skin.
Medical treatment options for eczema on the face
When seeking medical treatment for eczema, it is crucial to utilise products tailored to address the condition on specific areas of skin. What may be suitable for treating eczema on your scalp may not be appropriate for the eyelids. This is due to the fact that more delicate skin, like that of the eyelids, is at a higher risk of experiencing negative side effects associated with steroid use, such as skin thinning.
Topical Steroids
Topical steroids are an essential tool for managing eczema flares as they effectively calm inflammation and help restore the skin's barrier function. Weaker steroid formulations are available over-the-counter, while stronger ones require a prescription. Steroids are categorised based on their potency, ranging from mild to moderate and strong.
Strong steroids should never be used on the face. The delicate nature of facial skin, especially the eyelids, puts them at higher risk of adverse side effects associated with strong steroid use, such as skin thinning. When using steroids on the face, it is important to follow the dosing and application guidance provided by your doctor and avoid prolonged use.
Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors
Topical calcineurin inhibitors, are vital medications in the management of facial eczema. These medications work by targeting the immune system to reduce skin inflammation through the blocking of a chemical called calcineurin. They are particularly valuable when tapering off steroids during the acute phase of a flare-up, serving as a useful tool in minimising steroid usage.
One of the significant advantages of calcineurin inhibitors is their minimal side-effect profile. This makes them suitable for long-term use in maintaining remission. By utilising these medications, patients can effectively manage facial eczema while minimising the potential risks associated with prolonged steroid use.
Home remedies for eczema on the face
Home remedies for facial eczema are natural treatments that can be used to complement medical treatments or to relieve mild eczema symptoms. For the most part, they lack strong evidence to support their use but for some individuals, they can be an effective part of their skin-care management. They include:
Colloidal oatmeal
Adding colloidal oatmeal to a warm bath can help to soothe and hydrate the skin as oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce itching and redness associated with eczema.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil can be used as a natural moisturiser, to hydrate and protect the skin.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help to soothe and hydrate the skin.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and itching associated with eczema. It can also be added to a carrier oil, such as coconut oil.
Chamomile
Chamomile is an alternative natural anti-inflammatory that can help to soothe and reduce redness associated with eczema. It can be brewed into tea before being applied to affected areas.
6. When to seek medical advice
Most individuals with atopic dermatitis/eczema will have been suffering with the condition for many years, you should seek medical advice, from a doctor or Tend Health, if you’re not sure you have the right diagnosis, if you feel like you would like to have better control of your skin or if you still suffer from frequent flares. Eczema is diagnosed clinically meaning it doesn’t require any tests, with the diagnosis made based on the history and the pattern of the condition.
Once an eczema diagnosis has been confirmed your doctor can develop a treatment plan to help calm your skin and ease your symptoms. They will also be able to provide you with guidance and advice on how to avoid or minimise exposure to potentially exacerbating triggers.
How we can help
At Tend Health, we provide patients with specialist guidance and advice to empower people to better manage their skin. We will look at the pattern of your condition to build your optimum treatment plan which will include both preventative treatments and tools to tackle flares quickly and effectively. We will also help you understand what may be triggering your condition and help you to minimise these in the future.
Subscribe to Tend Health today to start your journey to better eczema control.
7. FAQs
What is the best home remedy for eczema on the face?
There is varying evidence on home remedies for the management of eczema. Colloidal oatmeal has the most data to support its use but despite this, the benefits can be variable. It’s best to test any treatment on a small patch of your skin first to check that it doesn’t exacerbate your condition before general use.
How long does it take for home remedies to work for eczema on the face?
It depends on what the use is for – if your using the treatment to help soothe symptoms such as itch and soreness the benefit can be immediate. If you're trying to use the product to cure your eczema then this will take varying amounts of time depending on the severity of the flare, your personal response to the product and what other treatments you’re using.
Can I use over-the-counter creams for eczema on my face?
Over-the-counter moisturisers including creams, ointments, and lotions are commonly used to treat eczema and most of them can be used safely on the face. When using over-the-counter steroids ensure you use them sparingly and follow strict dosing guidelines, even with mild-potency products prolonged and inappropriate use can lead to significant side effects.
What foods should I avoid if I have eczema?
Food allergies play a significant role in childhood eczema but in adulthood, the relationship is less clear. Keeping a symptom diary and tracking your diet can be a useful tool to identify exacerbating foods, on the whole, we don’t recommend people exclude food from their diet unless they have a known/established allergy.
Is eczema contagious?
Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition, but it is not contagious.
Can stress cause eczema?
Stress impacts our hormone levels and affects our immune system. Stress also changes our perception of subjective symptoms such as itch and soreness. Both of these factors can lead to eczema flaring.
What are some common triggers for eczema?
Common triggers for eczema include personal care products (soaps, cleansers), environmental factors, food allergies and rough fabrics (wool).
