Eczema on the Face: Common Causes & Natural Treatments for Facial Eczema
Being the very first body part that other people see, your face is what that helps you make an impression in the society. Any health condition associated with your face affects your daily everyday life. Having eczema on the face is one of those annoying conditions.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis or simply AD) is a challenging condition, and it becomes worse when you develop eczema on your face.
According to National Eczema Association, eczema affects almost 32 million Americans. Out of these 32 million people, at least 17 to 18 million experience moderate to severe eczema (1).
Eczema is a rash-like skin condition or group of skin conditions where the skin patches become red, itchy, rough, cracked and inflamed.
Blisters may also pop up in some cases. There are many causes of eczema, including some foods, environmental factors, nutritional deficiencies, and genetic factors.
Your eczema on the face picture can become the worst nightmare for you. However, knowing the exact triggers can be helpful in finding the right treatment.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most common signs, symptoms, causes and natural treatments for eczema on face.
Related Reading: Red Spots on Face: Causes and Natural Treatments
Signs of Eczema on the Face
Skin redness is the most distinct sign of eczema on the face. It can also be accompanied by dry, flaky, itchy skin. It commonly appears on the cheeks, but one can also develop eczema rashes behind the ears too.
Though, eczema can spread to other parts of the body.
How Long Does Eczema on the Face Last?
There is uncertainty on how long eczema on face lasts due to causes and conditions. Some recent studies show the connection between eczema and immune system, which makes sense as to why children are more prone to it (2, 3, 4).
Children’s immune systems are still in the developing stages, and babies are more susceptible to it during the first six months.
Eczema can start anywhere on the body in the case of juveniles. There is not a cure for this disease, but there are remedies that can help you ease the symptoms.
The symptoms often improve or completely disappear when children progress into adulthood. Adults who get eczema are considered to have a chronic condition.
What Causes Eczema on Your Face?
The causes of eczema on the face are still unknown, but there are specific triggers. These triggers depend on person-to-person and hence it is important to document any potential triggers.
The best first step in determining the trigger for facial eczema is to discontinue to use of cosmetics for some time.
Creams, facial masks, lotions, and scrubs are some of the examples of cosmetics to avoid. You can use their natural replacements like Aloe vera, chamomile, and rose water. Some natural ingredients have a calming effect on the skin also.
If it does improve within one month, that means one or more of cosmetics is causing the flare-up.
Following are some possible triggers of facial eczema:
- Creams
- Detergent
- Dust Mites
- Hot weather
- Humidity
- Mold
- Pollen
- Shampoo
- Soap Products
Treatment Options for Eczema on the Face
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, eczema on the face results in itchy, irritated, swollen skin (5).
The purpose of treating facial eczema is to provide relief to the affected skin area and prevent flare-ups. There are prescription drugs and home remedies to treat eczema on face.
It is best to consult with a dermatologist before starting any treatment program. Following are some effective treatment options for eczema.
1. Cold Compress
A cold compress is a non-medical home remedy for eczema on the face. It can help reduce itchiness and skin inflammation.
Take a cloth and dip it in cold water. Squeeze out excess water. Place it on affected skin, and leave it there until itchiness subsides.
2. Gentle Cleansing and Handling
Gentle handling of the skin is necessary because the outer layer of skin is already fragile and damaged.
It is fine to use mild cleansers just as long as it’s applied gently. Gentle application prevents the skin from further irritation or damage.
Use lukewarm water to rinse off cleansers, and dry the skin using a non-abrasive cloth. Avoid soaps and cleansers with abrasives as they can make the condition worse.
3. Emollients and Moisturizers
Emollients and moisturizers can reduce the skin’s scaliness and dryness.
According to the American Association of Dermatology, moisturizers add hydration to the skin by trapping water. Emollients lessen scaliness and make the skin soft.
Using the moisturizers after baths or showers can bring immediate moisture. Skin moisturizers act as a protective layer that prevents the cracking of the outer layer of the skin.
Pick a variety of moisturizers, such as creams and lotions. Ointments are the strongest form of moisturizers.
4. Medications
There are various medications used to ease the symptoms of eczema. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat skin infection and destroy harmful bacteria, as stated by Mayo Clinic.
Another example is antihistamines, which are used to decrease itchiness of the skin. Other medications include corticosteroid injections as well as the cream or ointment versions.
5. Avoid Trigger Foods
American Academy of Dermatology stated certain foods trigger eczema. Documenting foods in a journal helps pinpoint the food that is causing the flare-up so that the food can be identified and eliminated.
Healing of eczema after food elimination is a sign that the culprit is that particular food item. Some common foods that prompt eczema are milk, eggs, soy, nuts, and wheat.
Effective Home Remedies for Eczema on the Face
Prescription or over-the-counter treatments, such as cortisone, can have negative consequences. An example is thinning of the skin. Medications provide temporary relief to the skin.
Natural remedies for eczema on the face should be the first items to try to prevent further aggravation of skin.
Here are some natural remedies to try first before prescriptions.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant with spiky leaves that contain a gel-like substance known to treat skin conditions. Some of those skin conditions are burns, eczema, rashes, and sunburns.
Aloe vera gel has been used for centuries as a skin ointment. The properties of aloe vera gel help soothe and cool skin when applied. Aloe vera plants are easy to find in stores. People tend to cut the leaves to use it.
The leaves of aloe vera have to be used immediately. The gel turns blood red when exposed to oxygen for periods of time.
You can find the Aloe vera in the grocery stores. Buy pure Aloe vera gel, the one without fillers or colors added to it.
Aloe Vera contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that help promote skin health, such as omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Manuka Honey
Using manuka honey as an eczema treatment is relatively new. Though, it yields fast results due to its healing properties. Manuka honey contains amino acids, antibacterial properties, flavonoids, organic acids, and vitamins (6).
To use as a remedy, first look for the raw, unpasteurized version of this honey. Then, take a tablespoon of honey and spread it on the face like a mask. Leave the honey on for about 20 minutes. Wipe it off gently with a clean, warm facecloth.
You can enhance the effects of this remedy by adding two tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt to the honey. Yogurt has vitamins and minerals to help with adding moisture to skin and get rid of dead skin.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural emollient. It is used as a natural ingredient in many commercial cosmetics. It is made up with essential fats for its antibacterial and antifungal functions.
This oil is ideal to use for eczema because it is not harsh.
4. Rosehip Seed Oil
The rose hip seed oil is good for the skin because it contains antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E (7).
All of these components are known to hydrate the skin and reduce itchiness and dryness. A component called retinoic acid in rosehip oil is known to turn over cells.
Lastly, rosehip oil helps reduce scars using the fatty acids contained in the oil.
Apply two pumps of the oil to the skin a couple of times per day. The organic, cold-pressed oil without fillers except vitamin E, is the most efficient type of rosehip oil. Vitamin E prevents the oil from rotting.
5. Homemade Facial Mask to Treat Eczema on the Face
All four ingredients mentioned in the previous section can be combined to form cream for a face mask to treat eczema on the face. The base element of the mask in plain fatty yogurt.
Here are the steps to create a cover:
- Take half a cup of fatty yogurt and one tablespoon each of aloe vera gel, manuka honey, coconut oil and rosehip oil.
- Mix to make a paste.
- Gently wash face and spread the paste on face.
- Leave the paste on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with a warm face cloth.
The rest can be stored for later use. You can use it during bedtime if eczema on your face is bothersome.
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