What Is The Best Treatment For Eczema On Face

Identify And Avoid Potential Triggers

A person can take steps to improve eczema by avoiding substances that may irritate the skin, such as soap, essential oils, and scented products.

While sun exposure can decrease inflammation in the skin and improve eczema, the heat and sweat from sun exposure can trigger a flare.

Other potential triggers for eczema symptoms include:

Articles On Eczema On Hands & Face

• What People With Eczema Wish You Knew

When you have eczema, you may already know that some cosmetics irritate your skin — but that doesnât mean you have to give up on makeup.

Some products may trigger a flare, but others have ingredients that are gentle on the sensitive skin on your face and neck. The trick is to know the difference.

Other Topical Medication For Eczema

Topical calcineurin inhibitors are another category of prescription medication for eczema that includes Protopic and Elidel .

TCIs don’t contain steroids. Instead, they control inflammation and reduce eczema flare-ups by suppressing the immune system.

Though TCIs don’t cause the same side effects as topical corticosteroids, patients should only use them for short periods of time. A boxed warning alerts patients to the possible cancer risk associated with these drugs.

PDE4 inhibitors, a new class of topical drugs for eczema, work by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 4 from producing too much inflammation in the body. There is currently only one PDE4 inhibitor on the market: Eucrisa , which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016.

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Identify And Avoid Products That Cause Irritation

You can also treat facial eczema by identifying triggers and removing the source of irritation. Keep in mind that labeling a product as sensitive doesnt mean that it cant cause irritation.

Even so, choosing fragrance-free or hypoallergenic makeup and skin care products can reduce the risk of irritation.

What Causes Facial Eczema

This is where it gets a little complicated. There are several types of eczema, Shah says. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form, and often when people say eczema this is the condition they are referring to.

Atopic dermatitis is chronic, meaning that it comes and goes over a long period of time, according to the National Eczema Association. It’s generally caused by genetics, and can flare up in the face, arms, legs, and other parts of the body.

Another type of facial eczema: contact dermatitis. This is a form of eczema that is triggered by one specific irritant, like extreme weather, super-hot showers, skincare ingredients, laundry detergents, fragrancesthe list goes on. What triggers eczema in one person may not irritate another persons skin at all.

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Surprising Ways Parents Make Eczema Itchier

Some itch-relieving techniques that people use can make eczema itchier. To prevent this, dermatologists recommend that you avoid:

Gentle Soaps And Detergents

Laundry detergent can contain harsh chemicals that aggravate eczema.

Many body washes and cleansers contain detergents, which help provide a soapy lather. Detergents and other lathering agents can dry out the skin, especially in people with eczema.

Bar soaps can also be harsh on the skin because of their alkalinity.

Try using a gentle, no-lather, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid products with rough particles for scrubbing or exfoliating, as these can further irritate the skin.

Many people with eczema also find that switching to a more gentle, fragrance- or color-free laundry detergent can help improve symptoms.

Additionally, try skipping fabric softener, which lingers on clothes and often contains fragrances and chemicals that can irritate the skin.

Sitting next to a fireplace or near a furnace may feel good, but it can worsen eczema symptoms. The hot, dry air can dehydrate the skin and aggravate the itchiness of eczema.

Use a humidifier during the dry winter months and avoid getting too close to heaters and fireplaces.

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How To Use It

People can buy aloe vera gel in health stores or online, or they can purchase an aloe vera plant and use the gel directly from its leaves.

Individuals should aim to use aloe gel products with few ingredients others can contain preservatives, alcohol, fragrances, and colors, which can irritate sensitive skin. Additionally, alcohol and other drying ingredients could make eczema worse.

However, start with a small amount of gel to check for skin sensitivity, as sometimes, aloe vera can cause burning or stinging. However, it is generally safe and effective for adults and children.

What Are The Best Products

As Nakra tells us, the ideal evening skincare routine for someone with eczema flare-ups on their face would start with gentle cleansing, followed by a low-inflammation nighttime moisturizer, which, he says, can even be as simple as pure coconut oil. However, he does point out that anyone with more active eczema may need to treat their skin with over-the-counter topical steroids such as hydrocortisone 1% cream before applying their nighttime moisturizer, or even doctor-prescribed medications to reduce eczema’s intensity and frequency. Keep scrolling for the products dermatologists recommend to anyone with facial eczema.

“An ideal anti-inflammatory skincare routine for someone with eczema would begin with a cleanser that doesn’t overly dry the skin, such as this one from Avya Skincare,” says Nakra. “All of the products from the brand avoid common triggers for eczema, including glycolic acids, retinoids, and other inflammatory agents.”

For hydration, Nakra says he recommends this moisturizer containing snow mushroom, turmeric, and neem, which are all meant to reduce skin inflammation.

“In terms of products you can use to help manage eczema, moisturizing with thick creams and ointments is key,” Bae clarifies. “The best time to do this is right after you wash your face. I like Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion or Vanicream Lite Lotion.”

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What Does Baby Eczema Look Like

Eczema often appears on the face and scalp in infants under 6 months old. The rash will usually be red and it may bubble up, ooze fluid, then crust over. Older babies may develop eczema on their elbows and knees.

Eczema usually does not occur in the diaper area because the skin stays too moist. Rashes in this area are more likely diaper rash.

The itchiness of eczema can make an infant very uncomfortable. A baby cannot tell a caregiver what is wrong, but their behavior may hint that eczema is causing them discomfort.

Signs to look for include:

• Trouble sleeping

When Should My Baby Go To The Doctor For Eczema Treatment

If your baby has symptoms of eczema and at-home treatments have not helped, make an appointment with your pediatrician.

If your baby’s eczema is crusty, oozing fluid, or if your baby is showing any other signs of infection , call your pediatrician right away. Eczema rashes can become infected and may require antibiotic treatment.

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What Is Baby Eczema

Eczema is a dry, itchy skin rash that can appear anywhere on the body, but it commonly appears on the face and limbs. Anyone can have eczema, including infants.

Eczema in babies is very common. It affects 25% of children, 60% of whom develop it in their first year of life. While the condition can be lifelong, some children outgrow it.

Some things tend to make people more prone to developing eczema, including:

• Family history of eczema
• Family history of hay fever, allergies, or asthma
• Living in a cold, damp climate
• Exposure to environmental irritants
• Having an overactive immune system

Black children in the United States are 1.7 times more likely to develop eczema than White children. It is unknown why eczema disproportionately impacts Black children, but theories include disparate access to health care and that darker skin may mask the rash, resulting in later diagnosis.

Best For Face: Cerave Moisturizing Cream

“The hyaluronic acid and ceramides in this super cream trap and retain moisture,” Dr. Marmon says. “Also, it is oil-free and non-comedogenic, which means it won’t leave your skin greasy or cause breakouts.”

According to Dr. Marmon, this product line is specifically designed for sensitive skin because it’s free of fragrance, dyes and formaldehyde.

Buy it: Price: $12.29 for 16 oz

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How We Chose The Best Eczema Creams

We talked with the pros to find out what to look for in an eczema cream as well as what to avoid. The advice of board certified dermatologists informed every option on our list, helping us single out the products that truly deliver.

• Contains proven ingredients.Dr. Jeannette Graf, board certified Dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai, gave us some tips for scouring ingredient lists:
• Unscented petroleum jelly helps repair skin barrier function and lock in hydration.
• Aloe vera soothes inflammation and can aid in the healing process.
• Niacinamide helps improve skin function.
• Other effective ingredients include ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, and other humectants like glycerin, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid

Price: $$

If youre overwhelmed by the options out there, Vanicream is a solid place to start. The petroleum jelly-based formula seals in moisture and is perfect for dry, sensitive skin which more than likely describes your skin sitch if you have eczema.

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Wrap Up In Cold Weather

Cold, harsh winter winds can dry out the skin and cause eczema flares.

Keep the skin covered when temperatures are low. Also, consider covering the face with a scarf if eczema occurs in this body region.

While many home remedies are suitable for babies and children, always speak with a doctor before using them.

The following home remedies and tips may help:

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Ultraviolet Radiation Therapy For Eczema

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation can help reduce the symptoms of chronic eczema. Exposure under medical supervision can be carefully monitored with the use of specially designed cabinets the person stands naked in the cabinet and fluorescent tubes emit ultraviolet radiation.A person with stubborn eczema may need up to 30 sessions. The risks of unsupervised ultraviolet radiation therapy can be the same as for sunbathing faster ageing of the skin and greater risk of skin cancer.

Slow Down During Flare

No matter how careful you are, your eczema may flare up sometimes. When it does, take steps to be kind to your skin so you donât make it worse.

Dial back the intensity of your workouts until your skin calms down. For example, walk instead of run. Once youâve healed, you can go back to your usual routine.

Not all of these tips will apply to you. If sweat and spandex donât bother you, great. Stick with strategies that work for you.

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Types Of Facial Eczema

Eczema is actually a term for a group of conditions that cause itchy, red, and inflamed skin rashes. The types of eczema that are most likely to appear on the face are:

• Atopic dermatitis: This is the most common type of eczema overall. It is very common on the cheeks and chin, especially in infants. It can also appear around the eyes, on the eyelids, and around the lips. It can, however, occur anywhere on the face or the rest of the body.
• Contact dermatitis: This is also a common type of eczema. It is a skin reaction to a specific irritant. On the face, it is usually found around the eyes, the hairline, and in areas that contact perfumes and jewelry, like the neck and earlobes. But, like atopic dermatitis, this type of eczema can occur anywhere.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: This type most often occurs around the hairline, in the eyebrows, around the ears, and on the sides of the nose.

Importance Of Eczema Treatment

There is growing evidence that allergens introduced into the body through the skin can lead to the later development of food allergy, asthma and hay fever. Aggressively treating eczema in children and taking steps to restore normal skin barrier function may lower the risk of future development of these conditions.

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But First What Is Eczema

According to Breana Wheeler, MSN, NP, at Facile Dermatology + Boutique, eczema is an umbrella term for a group of skin conditions that can cause the skin to become red, itchy, and inflamed. “The word eczema is often used when talking about atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema,” she explains. “It’s important to know that patients with atopic dermatitis have an impaired skin barrier, meaning their skin doesn’t hold water in like it’s supposed to, which is what causes the condition’s signature flakes and dryness.”

While eczema can have a genetic component, there’s a variety of things that cause or worsen it, such as our environment and the way in which our immune system responds. Cindy Bae, MD, also points out that while diet and certain foods don’t directly cause eczema, food allergies can often make atopic dermatitis worseanother reason to visit your doc ASAP if you know or think you might be suffering from eczema.

Try To Reduce The Damage From Scratching

Eczema is often itchy, and it can be very tempting to scratch the affected areas of skin.

But scratching usually damages the skin, which can itself cause more eczema to occur.

The skin eventually thickens into leathery areas as a result of chronic scratching.

Deep scratching also causes bleeding and increases the risk of your skin becoming infected or scarred.

Try to reduce scratching whenever possible. You could try gently rubbing your skin with your fingers instead.

If your baby has atopic eczema, anti-scratch mittens may stop them scratching their skin.

Keep your nails short and clean to minimise damage to the skin from unintentional scratching.

Keep your skin covered with light clothing to reduce damage from habitual scratching.

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How Do I Know If I Have Facial Eczema

Believe it or not, one of the most frustrating aspects of facial eczema is figuring out whether you actually have eczema. Your dry or irritated skin could be the result of a bad reaction to a product you’re using, harsh weather, and other common factors that can impact skin health.

“It can be difficult to distinguish the two as skin affected by eczema is dry and irritated, generally, dry skin is not irritated and itchy to the level of eczema and will readily respond to moisturizers, gentle skin care, and bringing humidity back to the environment,” explains Sejal Shah, a New York City-based dermatologist.

Sadick adds that unlike the mild flaking, dullness, and tightness associated with dry skin, facial eczema generally involves intense itchiness, cracked skin, and even bleeding. If you’re still stumped, or just want a second opinion, visit your dermatologist to find out for sure.

Sex Hormones And Eczema

Puberty

Some good news: Eczema goes away before adolescence in about three-quarters of people who are diagnosed in childhood. The remaining one-quarter have it throughout their adult lives or have a recurrence somewhere down the line.

Many factors figure into how and why eczema affects people in different ways. But your sex hormones have a big influence, especially if youâre female.

Slightly more boys are diagnosed with eczema than girls. But this turns around after puberty, when young people reach sexual maturity. For boys, this usually happens between ages 12 and 16 with girls, between 10 and 14.

Female estrogen and progesterone amp up the activity of certain cells in your immune system that affect your skin barrier. The reasons are complex, but the interaction can trigger eczema symptoms, a study in Japan theorizes.

Meanwhile, androgens — male sex hormones such as testosterone, as well as progesterone — seem to do the opposite. They suppress the reaction, so inflammation and other eczema signs donât happen. This could explain how the numbers of girls with eczema might nudge ahead of the boys after puberty.

Hormone fluctuations during your period

Estrogen surges in pregnancy

This opens the door for old allergies — and conditions like eczema — to roar back into your life, at least during your pregnancy.

When eczema returns in menopause

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Antihistamines And Pain Relievers

Atopic dermatitis , the most common form of eczema is part of whats known as the atopic triad . In fact, people with AD have a greater chance of developing comorbidities or related health conditions, namely asthma, hay fever and food allergies.

To help combat itch and curb inflammation if you have allergies, a healthcare provider may suggest antihistamines. Some antihistamines also contain sedatives that can help people sleep.

Examples of OTC oral antihistamines include:

• Diphenhydramine
• Chlorpheniramine
• Cetirizine
• Loratadine
• Fexofenadine
• Doxylamine

To address common eczema symptoms such as burning, pain and inflammation, a healthcare provider may also suggest OTC pain relievers such as:

• Acetaminophen
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen

or naproxen