How to manage facial eczema?

Identifying facial eczema symptoms¹ ² ³ ⁴

Facial atopic dermatitis symptoms vary across different life stages.

 

Understanding the causes of facial eczema

Causes of atopic dermatitis¹ ²

The causes of atopic eczema on the face are genetic, immune, and environmental. Genetic mutations impair the skin barrier, leading to water loss and increased skin permeability to allergens and irritants. An overactive immune response to environmental triggers is responsible for the eczema lesions.

Clarifying the differences between facial eczema and rosacea⁶

Rosacea and eczema, while both chronic inflammatory skin conditions, exhibit distinct characteristics that are key to their differentiation:

• Age of onset: Rosacea predominantly appears in adulthood, whereas eczema usually starts in childhood.

Lesion characteristics: Rosacea is characterized by intermittent redness primarily on the nose, cheeks, and occasionally the forehead. These lesions may include visible small blood vessels (telangiectasia), papules, and pustules, akin to acne. Notably, rosacea can lead to skin thickening, particularly on the nose (rhinophyma). 

Affected areas: Rosacea's symptoms are confined to the face, unlike eczema, which can appear on various parts of the body. 

Absence of itching: A key differentiator is the absence of itching in rosacea, whereas itching is a primary symptom of facial eczema. 

Background and associated symptoms: Rosacea may involve ocular symptoms (watery or dry eyes, tingling, and itching) and, in rare instances, may be associated with neurological, digestive, and cardiovascular disorders. Eczema occurs within an allergic context and is often associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis. 

Effective management of facial eczema

The treatment of facial eczema, particularly atopic dermatitis, necessitates a careful and gentle approach due to the delicate and sensitive nature of facial skin, which is highly susceptible to the adverse effects of topical corticosteroids.

In situations where corticosteroids are ineffective or unsuitable, dermatologists may recommend alternative local treatments (topical calcineurin inhibitors). These do not cause skin thinning but may increase sensitivity to light (photosensitization).  
For severe cases of eczema, advanced treatments like phototherapy, immunosuppressants, or monoclonal antibodies may be used. 

Nurturing and protecting facial skin² ³ ⁴ ⁷

Strategies for preventing facial eczema flare-ups

Adopt these skin care practices for atopic facial skin to reduce the occurrence of flare-ups: 

• Opt for mild cleansers over traditional soap to cleanse the skin while removing scales gently. 
• Pat the skin dry using a soft towel to avoid irritation. Don’t rub your skin.
• Steer clear of cleansing and moisturizing products that contain potential irritants like detergents and fragrances.
• Regularly apply a simple, non-irritating emollient at least twice daily across the entire face.
• When using makeup, prefer non-irritating mineral-based products. 
• For makeup removal, use a moist cotton pad with a gentle cleanser. Emollients are equally effective as cosmetic makeup removers.⁴