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Face Eczema: Causes, Treatments & Remedies

Facial eczema refers to itchiness, flaking, and redness on the face. Get the facts on face eczema treatment, including symptoms, causes & remedies.

Face eczema treatment
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Eczema is a condition that results in itching, rashes, and dry skin. Since your face has more delicate skin than other parts of the body, eczema on your face can be very annoying and even painful. The skin may feel heated, itching, and constrictive. Scarring and sores can result from scratching. Depending on the skin's tone, eczema on the face may look like red, white, or purple pimples. Additionally, it could manifest as a rash, blisters, or broken skin. Children, as well as adults, can get it. Facial eczema can manifest alone or in conjunction with eczema on the body. And although some people only experience it on occasion, others do it more frequently.  Face eczema treatment often involves topical corticosteroids or non-steroidal creams to reduce inflammation and itching on the affected skin. This article discusses what face eczema is, its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

What is facial eczema?

Eczema on the face, also known as facial eczema, is a disease that can cause dry skin, flaky, and itchy skin. Your skin's natural defense against the elements is compromised by eczema. Your skin becomes more sensitive, making it more susceptible to flare-ups brought on by environmental irritants and allergens.

What symptoms do you have of facial eczema?

The following list of mild to severe eczema on the face signs and symptoms is provided:
  • Inflammation-related swelling.
  • Rough skin.
  • A rash that discolors the skin from red to purple to dark brown.
  • Skin that is flaky, dry, or scaly.
  • A sore sensation.
  • Skin with wrinkles around your eyes.
  • A few little lumps or blisters.
From your chin to your forehead, your skin will show signs of face eczema. The most typical area of your face where eczema can appear is on your cheeks.

What causes eczema?

Here are a few possible causes of face Eczema:

Environmental irritants-

Whether you have allergies or not, many things in your surroundings might irritate your skin. These include, but are not limited to, plants, animals, soaps and detergents, garment fibers, air pollutants like smoke, and humidity.

Overreacting immune system-

Your immune system aids your body in warding off pathogens like viruses and bacteria that may make you ill. When you have eczema, your immune system may confuse your skin cells, minor irritants, or environmental allergens for foreign invaders and launch an assault. This results in swelling and itchy skin (inflammation).

Genetics-

The building blocks of your body are your genes. A genetic mutation, or alteration in the DNA sequence, can impact how proteins in the body sustain the protective layer in the skin that shields you from the outside world. If there is a biological family history of face eczema, you may be more prone to acquiring it.

What are the treatments for eczema?

Although no known therapy for eczema exists, several solutions are available to help manage this illness. Bear in mind the sensitivity of face skin as you think about the best course of action. If your eczema is mild, using proper skincare techniques and regular moisturizing may help you keep it under control. However, medication is frequently required. Consult your child's pediatrician before administering medications to a baby or toddler. Young children frequently develop facial eczema, which may not require any treatment at all.

Janus Kinase (JAK) Drugs-

JAK inhibitors, notably Cibinqo (abrocitinib) and Rinvoq (upadacitinib) are newer therapies for atopic dermatitis. These oral drugs, which treat atopic dermatitis symptoms, including inflammation and itching, obstruct the pathways contributing to many of these symptoms.

Skin Care-

The most crucial part of treating face eczema is giving your skin the necessary care. Moisturizers and emollients are crucial in face eczema treatment by keeping the skin hydrated and preventing flare-ups. Use only fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cosmetics (i.e., less prone to cause allergies). The following points should be remembered:

Make use of a mild cleaner. 

On your skin, soap may be abrasive and dry, aggravating eczema. Instead, think about using a gentle, non-soap cleaner. Use warm water to wash your face. Some people's eczema may be worse by taking hot baths. Use lukewarm water to wash your face to lower your chance of heat-related flare-ups.

Look for cosmetics that contain moisturizing components. 

Although not all cosmetics are created equal, having facial eczema doesn't imply you can never wear makeup. Look for products with moisturizing components like shea butter and hyaluronic acid. Preservatives, including parabens, salicylic and glycolic acids , perfumes, and retinol, should be avoided since they might worsen irritation.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hydrocortisone-

Body eczema is frequently treated with topical steroids. But you need to apply them carefully on fragile face skin. Healthcare professionals frequently favor OTC 1% hydrocortisone cream over stronger creams since it has a lower risk of skin thinning and color changes.

Inhibitors of Calcineurin Topical-

Medication for treating facial eczema includes Elidel and Protopic. They do not induce skin thinning because they are non-steroidal medicines. They are, therefore, secure to use on the eyelids and in the vicinity of the eyes.

Phototherapy-

The next step may be phototherapy if other treatment for face eczema don't work. The skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation during phototherapy. This improves the body's innate capacity to combat microorganisms on the skin, decreases itchiness and inflammation, and increases vitamin D synthesis.

What are the Home-based treatments for face eczema?

Following are a few effective and quick methods to get rid of eczema, however, you should always consult a skin specialist before trying any of these remedies for face eczema:  Home-based treatments for face eczema

Coconut Oil-

Coconut oil's natural moisturizing properties make it an effective remedy for face eczema. Gently apply a small amount to the affected areas daily. It helps soothe dry, itchy skin and reduces redness, providing relief and promoting healing.

Oatmeal Bath-

An oatmeal bath can be incredibly calming for irritated skin. Simply grind plain oatmeal into a fine powder and add it to a warm bath. Soak in the oatmeal-infused water for about 15-20 minutes to ease inflammation and alleviate itching.

Aloe Vera Gel-

Aloe vera gel is known for its soothing and healing properties. You can Apply a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel to the eczema-prone skin. It not only moisturizes but also reduces inflammation, providing relief from discomfort.

Honey

Raw honey acts as a natural humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin. To relief eczema you can Dab a small amount of honey on the affected areas and leave it for 20-30 minutes before rinsing. Honey's antibacterial properties also help prevent infections.

Cold Compress-

To alleviate itching and reduce inflammation, apply a cold compress to the affected areas. Soak a clean cloth in cold water, wring it out, and gently press it on your face for a few minutes. Repeat as needed for relief.

Apple Cider Vinegar-

Dilute raw apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water and apply it to the eczema-prone skin using a cotton ball. The vinegar's acidity helps balance the skin's pH and reduces itchiness.

Turmeric Paste-

Turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial for face eczema. Mix turmeric powder with a small amount of water to form a paste, and gently apply it to the affected areas. Leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.

How can you prevent facial eczema?

Here are some suggestions for avoiding face eczema.
  • Moisturize your face two times a day.
  • Avoid items that aggravate your skin, such as cleaning soap, exfoliating creams, and toners.
  • During a flare, avoid applying makeup. This might worsen eczema symptoms.
  • Avoid severe heat and humidity, and use sunscreen.
  • Use items without fragrances.
  • Instead of rubbing the skin dry, use a soft cloth to pat your face.
  • Treat additional allergy signs that may contribute to or exacerbate facial eczema.

Conclusion-

Facial eczema refers to itchiness, flaking, and redness on the face. The rash might split or develop into blisters that leak or bleed. While there is no known cause, some factors, such as allergies, asthma, and genetic illness, may raise the probability of getting it. Stress, allergies, heat, chemicals, and scents are known to cause eczema flare-ups. Eczema has no known treatment. However, you can control your eczema and avoid flare-ups with several therapies. Effective treatments include using drugs, avoiding triggers, moisturizing skin, and phototherapy. Consulting with a dermatologist is essential for a personalized face eczema treatment plan tailored to an individual's specific condition and needs.