Eczema is an umbrella term for a group of inflammatory skin conditions. Dry skin that leads to itchy rashes in different parts of the body is a common symptom.
Other symptoms of eczema may include:
- swollen skin
- redness and other changes in skin color depending on your skin tone
- small bumps
- changes in skin texture, including thickening
- crusting and oozing
- blisters
- burning sensation or pain to the touch
Eczema on the face can be particularly uncomfortable for many people. The skin on your face tends to be more sensitive, and rashes in this part of the body may make you feel self-conscious.
You may develop facial eczema only or have symptoms throughout your body. For most people, facial eczema resolves in a few weeks, although re-occurrence is common.
What causes eczema rashes on the face?
The cause of eczema is not yet known, and triggers may vary from person to person. Experts suspect the condition is a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
When it comes to the face, possible eczema triggers include:
- use of or contact with irritant products
- exposure to allergens
- sunlight, especially if you are sensitive
- humidity and extreme temperatures
You are also more likely to develop facial eczema if you have a medical history of eczema, even if you have never had symptoms on your face before.
All types of eczema may manifest with symptoms on the face, although contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis may be the most prone.
Contact dermatitis may cause rashes on the face if you are directly exposed to an irritant or allergen. For example, a poison ivy leaf may touch the area, or you might have tried a new skin care product that contains chemicals you are sensitive to.
A specific type of irritant contact dermatitis, popularly called “lip-licking dermatitis” may occur during winter. It results from persistently licking your lips to moisten them, irritating the area and drying it out further.
Although rarer, exposure to sunlight without sunscreen may also lead to eczema rashes in some people who already live with the condition, especially atopic eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. This is clinically known as light-sensitive or photosensitive eczema.
Certain medications, such as blood pressure drugs, and skin care products, such as vitamin C serums may also activate eczema rashes, as they make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Seborrheic dermatitis is another common trigger of eczema on the face. It is often called “cradle cap” when it manifests in babies and infants.
This type of eczema is associated with an immune response to an overgrowth of Malassezia, a variety of yeast fungi. It affects oil-producing glands in the skin and is typically found on the scalp. However, seborrheic dermatitis may also affect the face and other body areas in some people.
For some people, anxiety and high stress levels may also trigger eczema rashes or intensify existing symptoms.
What does facial eczema look like?
Signs of facial eczema may depend on the type and severity of your dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis on the face may appear as localized rashes, sore bumps and blisters, and itchy, thickened, or cracked skin.
You may also notice a change in skin color. Paler skin tones may experience redness, while dark tones may see patches of brown, gray, or purplish skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis on the face may appear as scaly patches of oily skin with flakes similar to scalp dandruff.
Other features of facial eczema may include:
- discolored skin
- swollen patches
- wrinkle-like appearance, particularly under the eyes
Facial eczema may appear anywhere, but common places include the ears, around eyebrows, along the hairline, and under the nose.
Is facial eczema curable?
Eczema has no known cure yet. Treatment is available and effective, though, and may relieve your symptoms.
Avoiding allergens and irritants is key if you believe your facial eczema may be associated with contact dermatitis.
Medical treatment for eczema may include:
- topical corticosteroids, like hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, and clobetasol
- topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), like pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic)
- Janus Kinase inhibitors (JAK inhibitors), like ruxolitinib cream (Opzelura) and abrocitinib tablets (Cibinqo)
- oral corticosteroids, like prednisolone
- immunosuppressants, like cyclosporine or azathioprine
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Get free cardTips for managing eczema on the face
The number one recommendation for managing eczema skin is moisturizing as often as possible. Dry skin tends to worsen symptoms.
Other recommendations include:
- avoiding harsh chemicals in personal care and cleaning products
- bathing and showering with lukewarm water
- having colloidal oatmeal baths
- wearing soft, loose fabrics
- managing stress
Summary
Facial eczema may manifest with scaly and flaky skin, itching, blisters, wrinkle-like appearance, and soreness to the touch. Any eczema can manifest on the face, but contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and light-sensitive eczema may be more likely to.
Though there is no cure for eczema, treatment is available and effective. It may include topical and oral medications, stress management, and moisturizing.
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