Aneczemarash can pop up anywhere on the body.
But eczema on the face can be especially uncomfortable, painful, and itchy.
That’s because facial skin is especially sensitive.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
The rash, which is red, dry, and flaky, can also even blister.
Facial eczema can appear on its own or alongside eczema on the body.
And while some people have it only occasionally, others deal with it on a more consistent basis.
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This article explains the types and causes of facial eczema and how the condition is diagnosed and treated.
Nearly 30 million people live with eczema in the United States, and it impacts everyone differently.
Some people may experience minor flare-ups, where their skin becomes mildly itchy.
For others, flare-ups involve severe itching, dryness or oozing, and bleeding.
Eczema that develops near the eyes needs special attention because the eyes themselves can be affected.
When To See a Healthcare Provider
Early treatment can help prevent eye problems from getting worse.
Untreated, complications from eczema around the eye can cause vision loss.
But there are a few things that seem to contribute to its development.
These factors include:
Triggers
The skin on your face is especially delicate.
It is, therefore, more susceptible to irritation.
Sensitivities to makeup, facial masks, toners, cleansers, and other facial products may be eczema triggers.
Diagnosis
There is no specific test used todiagnose eczema.
Instead, your healthcare provider will consider your symptoms and medical history and examine your skin.
Knowing what jot down of eczema you have will help your healthcare provider come up with the proper treatment.
That said, keep in mind the sensitivity of facial skin as you consider which treatment may be best.
In many cases, however, medications are needed.
Before treating a baby or toddler, be sure to get advice from your child’s pediatrician.
Facial eczema is common in young children and may not need to be treated at all.
Use only cosmetics that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic (that is, are less likely to trigger allergies).
But for delicate facial skin, you must use them with care.
Hydrocortisone should not be used around the eyes.
Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors
Elidel and Protopicare medications that are commonly used to treat facial eczema.
Since they are non-steroidal medications, they do not cause thinning of the skin.
Therefore, you could safely use them around the eyes and on the eyelids.
Phototherapy
When these aren’t successful, phototherapymay be the next step.
Phototherapy uses a equipment to shine ultraviolet B (UVB) light onto the skin.
Coping
Having eczema can be frustrating.
But there are steps you might take to ease the burden of this skin condition.
Dealing With Itching
The itching that accompanies eczema can be extreme.
Antihistamines and damp, cooling cloths placed over the itchy area can help in some cases.
If your itching is severe, ask your healthcare provider about the best ways to manage the itch.
As a result, you may feel less self-confident or withdraw from social situations.
Reach out to supportive family and friends.
Finding people who understand can also do wonders for your mental outlook.
Summary
Facial eczema is a red, flakey, itchy rash that appears on the face.
The rash may crack or turn into blisters that bleed or ooze.
Eczema flare-ups are often triggered by exposure to chemicals, fragrances, heat, allergens, and stress.
There is no cure for eczema.
However, many treatments can help you manage your eczema and prevent flare-ups.
Keeping your skin moist, avoiding triggers, using medications, and phototherapy are all effective treatment options.
About one out of every 10 people will develop eczema at some point in their lives.
There are also some creams and moisturizers that can help with eczema symptoms in babies and young children.
National Eczema Association.Facial eczema.
National Eczema Association.What is Eczema?
American Academy of Dermatology.Atopic Dermatitis.
Eucrisa approved for AD use in infants aged 3 months and older.Contemporary Pediatrics.
