Our skin is a window to our health. Dry, damaged, flaking, and inflamed skin is not only painful but also bad for self-esteem and confidence. Eczema is a prevalent cause of dry skin issues globally. Its frustrating symptoms and frequent flare-ups interfere with overall health and decrease the quality of life. This blog explores facial eczema, why it happens, the reasons of it , and how to deal with it.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a group of inflammatory skin issues that lead to dry, peeling, inflamed, itchy, and scaly patches. Eczema flare-ups can appear anywhere in the body, however, it is frequently encountered on the face (around eyes and mouth), hands and fingers, scalp, neck, upper chest, wrists, ankles, back of the knees, and elbows.
There are several types of eczema. The appearance of eczematous skin may vary based on a person’s skin-tone. Eczema is classified as:
- Dermatitis (such as atopic and contact)
- Dyshidrotic Eczema
- Neurodermatitis
- Discoid Eczema
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Stasis Dermatitis
What is Facial Eczema?
When an eczema attacks on face, this can be called as facial eczema. It can involve any part of the facial skin, however, facial eczema around the mouth and eyes are seen the most. Various types of eczema can appear on the face, including atopic dermatitis, nummular or discoid eczema, contact dermatitis, neurodermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Some people can have more than one symptom at the same time. Eczema on the face can happen at any age and for many individuals the cause is atopic dermatitis.
Who Can Get Facial Eczema?
Facial eczema can occur in infants, children, adolescents, and adults of either gender. However, it is mostly seen in:
- Children and infants
- People with a history atopic dermatitis
- Positive family history of any type of eczema
- People who are sensitive to certain foods, allergens, irritants
- Individuals wearing a face mask for long hours (healthcare workers)
- People with excessive sun exposure (outdoor workers)
- Previous history of dermatitis, asthma, hay fever
What are the Types of Facial Eczema?
Facial eczema symptoms are the same in both men and women, however, the condition itself is more frequently encountered in females.
Facial Eczema in Children
Facial eczema is more common in children and oozing from the skin is a frequent symptom. It usually involves the skin of the head, forehead, around the cheeks, and on the chin. The skin is red, inflamed, dry, and crusty.
Infants and children tend to have more delicate skin and their immune system continues to develop. This causes random and more frequent flare-ups. Facial eczema typically starts in the first six years of life. While many outgrow it, in some infants/children it continues in adulthood.
Facial Eczema in Adults
Eczema around the mouth, eyes, neck, and hairline are signs of facial eczema adults. Rather than oozing, the skin becomes thick, dry, and leather-like (Lichenification). Adults are more prone to frequent exposure to eczema triggers and the mechanical trauma due to chronic itching leads to secondary skin infections.
What are the Causes of Facial Eczema?
Facial eczema can be caused by various factors, including genetics (a history of atopy), exposure to allergens and irritants (such as soaps, detergents, cosmetics, nickel, pollen, and animal dander), chronic stress, depression, anxiety, and certain lifestyle choices like taking hot showers and getting insufficient sleep.
What are the Complications of Facial Eczema?
At first glance, facial eczema might seem like just a skin-related issue, but without proper care, it can lead to serious complications and significantly affect self-esteem.
Infections
The damage to the facial skin barrier makes it easier for bacteria, viruses, etc., to enter the body causing secondary infections.
Lichenification
Mechanical trauma due to itching leads to thickening, scarring, and a leather-like appearance of facial skin.
Hypo or Hyper-pigmentation
Depending on the skin tone, eczema may cause post-inflammatory hypo or hyperpigmentation on the face.
Decreased Quality of Life
Facial eczema significantly impacts self-confidence and social interactions and leads to a decrease in the overall quality of life.
How to Get Rid of Facial Eczema?
To get rid of facial eczema requires a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. Medications for treating facial eczema include anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, steroids, and immunosuppressants. It is also a necessity to be informed about potential triggering factors and make essential lifestyle adjustments to avoid them. Topical emollients are used to moisturize the skin and keep the skin barrier intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is facial eczema curable?
Facial eczema is a chronic disease that may be dealt with when medications are used and some lifestyle changes are made.
Does facial eczema go away without treatment?
Mild cases can show improvement without treatment, however, flare-ups are common.
What is the age range for developing facial eczema?
There is no specific age for developing facial eczema. Facial eczema can occur irrespective of age or gender.
Is facial eczema genetic?
There is a genetic component to facial eczema. People with a family history of dermatitis, asthma, hay fever, food allergies, etc. are more prone to develop facial eczema.
Can facial eczema come back after successful treatment?
It is common to have long periods of remission with facial eczema treatment, however, even after successful treatment recurrences may occur.
