Atopic eczema on the face: How it manifests itself and how to treat this eczema

What is atopic eczema

Atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease with a genetic predisposition. It is associated with impaired barrier function of the skin and immune system. Those affected often also suffer from allergic rhinitis, asthma or food allergies.
Atopic eczema on the face is common in babies, usually between two and six months. The cheeks are the usual site of eczema, but it can also occur on the scalp, neck and in the folds of the elbows and knees. Symptoms can change with age, and in some cases atopic eczema may subside or improve with adolescence, sometimes persisting into adulthood.
Atopic eczema on the face in adults occurs not only on different parts of the face, but also on the scalp or neck, and can spread to other parts of the body. The manifestations and intensity of atopic dermatitis can vary from patient to patient.

The course of atopic eczema on the face

Atopic dermatitis on the face occurs in two distinct phases, which alternate: a flare-up, when the skin is most itchy and irritated, followed by a quieter period.

How to recognize atopic eczema on the face

Atopic eczema can affect anyone, but it is most often suffered by people who have a family history of the diagnosis. This disease is associated with several typical symptoms, which are:
Dryness, flaking and scaling: the skin is dry and may peel.
Redness and inflammation: the affected skin is not only red, but also sensitive and painful to the touch.
Pinching and burning: There is often unpleasant irritation of the nerve endings in the skin.
Swelling: This is caused by inflammation and is accompanied by a red rash.
Itching: Itching is sometimes so severe that it disturbs sleep and thus reduces quality of life.
Blistering and wetting: Sometimes blisters appear on the skin, which burst and become wet. This eventually leads to crusting.
Sensitivity to external stimuli: Skin with eczema is very sensitive to various external factors, including common ingredients in cosmetics.
Darkening of the skin under the eyes: This symptom is particularly common in people with recurrent eczema.
In addition to these physical discomforts, atopic eczema on the face also leads to feelings of anxiety or a decrease in self-confidence because the disease is visible. For some people, it also means worrying about the reactions of others and negatively affecting their social life.

What makes atopic eczema worse

Each person diagnosed with eczema has unique triggers that cause their symptoms to flare up. The most common include:
- Detergents and laundry detergents,
- seasonal and climatic changes,
- allergens in the air,
- hormonal fluctuations,
- sweating,
- contact with allergens,
- make-up and cosmetic products,
- fabrics or clothing material,
- smoke and pollutants,
- stress.

What to do for atopic eczema - treatment

Regular moisturizing of the skin and minimizing contact with irritants works for atopic eczema. Eczema is usually impossible to get rid of once and for all, but there are effective ways to fight it.
For the flare-up phase of atopic eczema, ointments or creams with topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors help to reduce inflammation and itching. These are gradually replaced, once the worst of the problem has been overcome, by drugs that keep the eczema dormant.
For the resting phase, emollients are recommended, which also act to prevent the development of the acute phase of the flare-up. They restore the protective skin barrier and are applied to non-infected areas. They help to prevent skin dryness, soothe the skin and relieve itching.
In addition, both in this phase and in the flare-up phase, you can use preparations based on ichthyol, which has an anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effect.
In children, antihistamines are used for a short time to relieve night itching.

Grandmotherly advice for atopic eczema

In addition to the treatments recommended by doctors, many people fall back on traditional grandmotherly advice. These include rubbing the affected areas with nanoflavoured honey. This can be applied in a thin layer to clean facial skin, left on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinsed off with warm water. Make sure you are not allergic to honey before applying.
Another piece of advice relates to scraping. You will know that scratching aggravates eczema, but if you can't help yourself, replace scratching with patting the affected area, preferably through clothing or a towel for example. To minimise the aggravation of eczema, cut your nails.

Modern methods of treatment

You can also use a number of modern approaches to combat atopic eczema on the face, including biological treatments that target specific proteins in our immune system.
Another effective option is UV light phototherapy, which suppresses skin inflammation, or speleotherapy, which uses the specific microclimate of caves.
Modern treatment methods include Dermaguard barrier cream, which is also recommended by experts. For people suffering from atopic eczema, it relieves irritation and is also suitable for strengthening weakened skin after corticosteroid treatment. You can order Dermaguard on our e-shop.

Diet for atopic eczema

Diet plays an important role in atopic eczema. In children, allergens such as cow's milk protein, eggs, wheat, soya, but also vegetables, fruit, seeds and nuts can account for up to a third of the causes of eczema. It is therefore important to introduce these foods into children's diets gradually.
Food allergies are not as common in adults as in children. Nevertheless, there are certain recommendations that contribute to a better skin condition.

What not to eat with eczema

With atopic eczema, it is important to identify foods that can trigger allergic reactions or worsen symptoms. In addition, consider limiting foods containing artificial colours, preservatives and other additives that can irritate the skin.
What you should include in your diet
There is no miracle food that will cure eczema on its own. The key is a balanced and varied diet of good quality protein, unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3s, which support the body's anti-inflammatory processes), fresh vegetables and fruit.
Experts also recommend including supplements containing iron and vitamin C.

Prevention

Avoid allergens and irritants that aggravate your symptoms. Hydrate your skin regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including getting enough sleep.
Do not use harsh soaps and detergents that dry or irritate the skin. Instead, choose cleansers for sensitive and delicate skin that are free of perfumes, dyes and stabilisers. After washing your face, gently pat your skin dry to prevent further irritation.
A known trigger for eczema flare-ups is stress. So take time to relax and manage stress, whether through deep breathing, meditation, exercise or hobbies you enjoy.
With the right approach, you can significantly reduce the symptoms of atopic eczema on your face and improve your quality of life.