Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that can be difficult to manage. Various factors can trigger flare-ups, and when one affects your face, it could also lower your self-esteem. Proper management of facial eczema is therefore important, making it key to know your triggers and how to treat flare-ups effectively.
Symptoms of Facial Eczema
Eczema may alternate between two phases: the acute phase, when a flare-up occurs, and the non-acute phase, which occurs between flare-ups. Common signs and symptoms of an eczema flare-up could include:
- Noticeable skin discolouration, swelling, and inflammation
- Frequent skin itchiness
- Dry, flaky, or scaly patches of skin
- Small, rough bumps or blisters
- Wrinkled skin beneath the eyes
- Sore skin
While scratching your skin might relieve the itching, it could exacerbate symptoms and cause further irritation, redness, or even weeping blisters and yellowish crusts.
The Causes of Eczema Flare-Ups on the Face
Eczema triggers can vary from person to person, and most people may have more than one trigger. It may help to keep an eczema journal to identify your triggers and avoid them.
Irritants & Allergens
Irritants and allergens can come from multiple sources, and are generally considered the most common cause of facial eczema. Your skin may be sensitive to certain irritants, allergens, and other substances, so contact with any of these can trigger a flare-up.
Common irritants and allergens may include:
- Pollen
- Environmental pollutants (like car exhaust fumes)
- Pet saliva, fur, or dander
- Dust mites
- Mould spores
- Fragrances and other scented products
- Cosmetics
- Clothing fabrics
- Sunscreen
- Certain non-fabric materials
Temperature & Humidity
Weather changes can also trigger an eczema flare-up, though the exact causes are not well-documented. It is believed that some nerve endings or receptors in the skin may be susceptible to sudden changes in temperature and humidity, which can dry out the skin. This may aggravate a flare-up and may be problematic if your skin is particularly sensitive to these changes. Even going from a warm room to a cool one might trigger a general flare of eczema.
Emotional Factors
Emotional stress and anxiety are also relatively common triggers of facial eczema. Part of it stems from the release of the hormone cortisol during stress. While cortisol helps to regulate your body’s stress response, excessive cortisol due to chronic or severe stress could cause an inflammatory response in your skin that further exacerbates symptoms. Stress and anxiety may even strengthen the urge to scratch and relieve the itch, which only worsens the condition.
Diet
A common misconception is that food allergies cause eczema, but in reality, they may trigger a flare or worsen the condition. Specific food allergies and known inflammatory foods and ingredients may trigger a flare-up soon after eating, but it may also manifest several hours or even a day later. Common food allergies include eggs, dairy products (such as milk and cheese), shellfish, and peanuts.
Smoking & Alcohol
Regularly consuming alcohol or smoking can gradually cause your body to become hotter, which may cause a facial eczema flare-up. Moreover, alcohol may negatively impact your eczema prescriptions, making the condition harder to manage.
Illness & Infection
Eczema typically weakens the skin barrier, leading to uncomfortable dryness, irritation, and inflammation. The skin gradually loses its ability to retain moisture and protect itself against infection and other complications. This may exacerbate facial eczema flare-ups, resulting in unhealthy-looking skin that may ooze, turn red, crust, and become swollen.
Genetics
If you have a family history of facial eczema, you may be more prone to developing flare-ups.
How to Manage a Facial Eczema Flare-Up
Eczema has no cure, but there are ways to manage flare-ups and reduce discomfort. A professional dermatologist can tailor a personalised eczema management plan to support your well-being.
Avoid Scratching
Instead of scratching your face, use a cool, damp cloth or cold compress to prevent further scratching and provide relief by cooling the skin and reducing the itch, making a flare-up much more tolerable. It may also help to trim your nails regularly to avoid accidental skin irritation. A dermatologist can show you how to apply these dressings correctly.
Avoid Triggers
Your dermatologist will work with you to identify your eczema triggers and craft an action plan to help you avoid them or manage flare-ups in an emergency. Some management tips include:
- Using appropriate gloves and protective coverings when cleaning your home or gardening.
- Using breathable, easy-care fabrics for your bedding.
- Reducing fabric conditioner use for laundry to avoid skin irritation.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing.
- Avoiding makeup use.
Gentle Cleansing
Regularly moisturise with a mild, soap-free facial wash to manage facial eczema flare-ups and maintain your skin’s moisture. Consider cleansing products that support skin hydration or are formulated for sensitive skin, while avoiding harsh soaps or cleansers and anything containing parabens or that is comedogenic. Be sure to moisturise regularly as part of a consistent skincare routine, especially when going out.
Use lukewarm or cool water instead of hot water to rinse, as heat can worsen skin dryness and trigger a flare-up. It also helps to limit baths and showers to 10–20 minutes. Thereafter, gently pat your skin dry with a soft, clean towel rather than rubbing to reduce irritation.
Stay Hydrated
In addition to moisturising, drink plenty of water to maintain skin hydration and support your skin’s recovery from dryness and inflammation.
Stress Management
Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness practices, can support your emotional health and manage or prevent flare-ups.
Sun Protection
Use a wide-brimmed hat or an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, as the heat can trigger a flare-up. Apply skin-safe sunscreen regularly and use an additional protective layer (such as UV-protective clothing) to reduce your skin’s exposure to sunlight.
Facial Eczema Treatment in Singapore
Treating moderate-to-severe facial eczema flare-ups will require an appropriate treatment plan to manage your symptoms and provide relief.
Medications
You may be prescribed oral or topical (or both) medications to manage flare-ups. Topical steroids or topical calcineurin inhibitors are both anti-inflammatory medications that are prescribed to provide targeted relief. Non-steroidal creams are also available to treat skin inflammation in sensitive areas, such as the eyelids.
For more severe cases, intensive topical treatments and oral medications may be prescribed to provide stronger, more comprehensive relief during a flare-up.
Allergy Testing
A dermatologist may also perform allergy tests to identify triggers of your eczema flare-ups, allowing them to tailor your eczema treatment and management plan to your skin care needs.
Stratum Skin and Surgery is here to support your eczema management journey with various eczema treatments available. Contact us today to find out more.