Eczema or rash around the eyes?
Eczema on the face has a number of causes. It is most often a manifestation of contact eczema, atopic eczema or bacterial inflammation. Treatment depends on the correct diagnosis.
Beware of cosmetics and dusty environments
The flight attendant's disease
Contact eczema on the face is known among laypeople as flight attendant disease. It occurs mainly around the lips, chin and neck and around the eyes. It is caused by skin damaged by frequent washing, make-up removal, make-up, and the use of unsuitable creams and masks. Dry and dusty environments or fine allergenic substances from the workplace that are spread through the air can also cause irritation.
Prevention and treatment mainly consist of removing the irritant. This means either a change of environment or the use of a barrier cream. This can isolate the skin surface from contact with the irritant.
Atopic eczema can also occur in adulthood
Atopic eczema on the face occurs around the eyes, mouth and neck. Dry, flaky, itchy patches and atopy in childhood are clear indicators of the diagnosis. In adulthood, stress is often a trigger.
Treatment of eczema on the face according to symptoms
Dry and flaky areas should be moisturised with moisturising creams. Zinc ointment or powder, beeswax cream or medical petroleum jelly have a healing effect.
We treat weeping eczema with zinc oil or ichthyol ointment.
There are many creams available for eczema. It is better to use those that contain as few ingredients as possible. Ask for samples. Try a small amount on your neck or elbow for 5 days to see if it causes any irritation.
Treatment of atopic eczema on the face should be carried out by a specialist dermatologist. Corticosteroid creams are prescribed to soothe visible areas of eczema. This is followed by intensive moisturising and protection of the skin barrier. Dermatologists recommend using barrier creams such as Dermaguard to gradually restore the skin and its natural barrier. Dermaguard cream creates an invisible protective shield on the skin against most allergens found in the environment. Because the allergen cannot penetrate the skin, it remains unirritated. The protection lasts for around 4-6 hours. The cream also effectively moisturises the skin without leaving it feeling greasy and strengthens the skin barrier.
Fungi and bacteria
Bacterial or fungal infections can also appear as eczema on the face. They often occur in connection with the daily wearing of face masks, respirators and face shields.
The bacterium Malassezia furfur causes acne-like irritation – a rash of watery and bursting pimples, typically on the forehead and chin.
Tinea causes flaky skin and keratinisation, often in grooves along the nose or eyebrows.
Candida yeast causes itching and burning on the cheeks or behind the ears.
If similar symptoms appear extensively on the face, it is best to see a doctor for a swab test to determine the cause and treatment.
