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“I get a sick feeling looking at my face in the mirror each day,” shared one member of MyEczemaTeam. Living with atopic dermatitis can be both physically and emotionally challenging, especially when it affects the face. Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, causes discoloration, itching, crusting, and oozing. This chronic (long-term) inflammatory skin disease can be both painful and embarrassing. An estimated 16.5 million adults in the United States have atopic dermatitis and many have symptoms on their faces.
Facial atopic dermatitis often takes a toll on self-esteem and quality of life. “It makes me feel so ugly and self-conscious,” commented another member. These shared experiences highlight how deeply atopic dermatitis can affect those living with the condition.
Atopic dermatitis on the face can attract unwanted attention. “People constantly ask me what happened to my face. I’m afraid to go out in public,” shared one member.
“It feels like everyone is staring or judging me,” another said.
People with facial atopic dermatitis may be afraid to go to work, which can affect job performance, professional relationships, and attendance. “I’m embarrassed to be at work,” admitted one member. Another said, “I have an interview tomorrow and instead of preparing, all I can think of is peeling dry skin off my face.”
Covering up facial atopic dermatitis with commercial cosmetics or certain topical treatments can aggravate symptoms of discoloration and itchiness. “I’ve tried all sorts of creams and steroid treatments. Nothing seems to work for me,” said one MyEczemaTeam member.
Managing atopic dermatitis can be expensive, especially for people with severe cases. Many costs come from doctor visits and medications. Skin infections and other problems are common and add to the cost. Missing work due to flare-ups (periods when symptoms become more severe or noticeable) might also increase the burden. “I haven’t left my house since last Tuesday other than to go to the hospital,” said one member who developed facial infections from a recent flare.
Children frequently experience facial atopic dermatitis. Up to 15 percent of children in the U.S. develop atopic dermatitis.
One MyEczemaTeam member worries about their 7-month-old son. “He has terrible, severe eczema all over his face and ears that oozes all day!” they said. In older children, the entire face and eyelids can be affected.
Among adults, facial atopic dermatitis can occur as part of generalized eczema or as an isolated event, according to the National Eczema Society. Symptoms may last for just a week or two, or longer. There’s usually no identifiable cause, but triggers can include:
Facial atopic dermatitis may be connected to some allergies, particularly food allergies. Allergy testing can also determine if there is an allergic reaction involved in your atopic dermatitis.
Because atopic dermatitis is a chronic and relapsing disease, it can return at any age. “My eczema has been in ‘hibernation mode’ since I was a teenager. This year, however, big red-hot patches suddenly appeared on my neck and started moving down my body,” said one member.
Hormonal changes can also set off a facial flare. Some members of MyEczemaTeam report a recurrence or worsening of atopic dermatitis on the face after the start of menopause. “I've had eczema since age 5 — and many times, my skin was clear. Now at 50, it’s the worst it has ever been,” shared one member. Another said, “I’m 68 and have the worst face eczema in my life.”
Although there’s no cure for atopic dermatitis, current treatments focus on relieving symptoms, preventing flares, and improving appearance to help improve quality of life. Proper treatment can reduce the risk of scarring and other complications from chronic skin inflammation while also relieving itchiness and helping you sleep better.
Because facial skin is more delicate — and can be easily irritated by cosmetics and prescription therapies — atopic dermatitis treatments for the face may be different and gentler than those used on other parts of the body.
Furthermore, atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition and your symptoms may go through periods of flares and remission (periods when symptoms are minimal or entirely absent). It’s important to have regular check-ins with your health care provider or dermatologist so they can understand your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as needed. If you care for a child with facial atopic dermatitis, consult their pediatrician about treatment options. Some atopic dermatitis treatments are not safe or effective in children and infants.
Your health care provider may recommend a mild, moderate, or strong topical corticosteroid (steroid) that blocks inflammatory activity for short-term use on the face and neck, depending on how severe your atopic dermatitis is. Ideally, these creams are used only during an atopic dermatitis flare.
Corticosteroids, especially strong ones, carry a higher risk of skin thinning, absorption into the body, and permanent skin damage. They’re typically prescribed for no more than two weeks and should not be applied around the eyes. If you have concerns, consult your dermatology team. For facial use, dermatologists often start with mild steroids and may switch to moderate options if needed. Strong steroids are reserved for very short-term use and only when absolutely necessary or when milder options fail.
For people with moderate to severe facial atopic dermatitis who are at risk for skin atrophy from topical corticosteroids, a health care provider might prescribe calcineurin inhibitors for long-term or maintenance treatment. These medications block calcineurin, a protein that triggers immune cells to cause inflammation and itching.
These creams include pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic). They can make skin more light-sensitive and should be used at night or with sun protection. Studies from The Lancet have shown that they’re safe when used properly.
Several other nonsteroidal topical treatments are approved to treat atopic dermatitis. Some of these include:
All of these medications come with a risk of side effects. Talk to your dermatologist so you can know what to expect when using any of these medications.
Other treatments for recurring facial atopic dermatitis include phototherapy, which is also called light therapy. This treatment option involves exposing areas of affected skin to different types of light.
Some oral medications target the immune system and help control inflammation, such as upadacitinib (Rinvoq). In the case of an infection, you may be prescribed oral antibiotics.
When topical and other medications don’t effectively treat eczema, a dermatologist may prescribe injectable biologic drugs such as dupilumab (Dupixent) or tralokinumab (Adbry). Biologic drugs are medications made from living cells that work by targeting certain parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation. These options are for people with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
Always consult with a dermatologist before starting any treatment regimen for your face, and use atopic dermatitis medications exactly as prescribed.
Regular skin care can help manage atopic dermatitis. Because it can be triggered by environmental factors like pollen, pet dander, or weather changes, identifying and avoiding your triggers may also help.
People with atopic dermatitis have trouble keeping moisture in their skin. This causes the skin to lose more water, making it dry and more likely to become inflamed. When skin is prone to inflammation and dryness, moisturization is critical. Ask your health care provider how often you should moisturize. You may want to apply a moisturizer several times a day, even if you don’t currently have symptoms.
A study published in American Family Physician found that using moisturizers regularly improved symptoms in infants with atopic dermatitis and lowered their need for corticosteroid creams. This was a randomized controlled trial, which means participants were randomly placed into different treatment groups to make the results more accurate and fair. Many doctors recommend applying moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.
Your dermatologist may recommend different creams or ointments for you to try. These can vary based on their strength and how they moisturize your skin.
For better results during the day, try lotions and creams with high water content. Creams are thicker than lotions and less greasy than ointments. These skin care products are absorbed into the skin more quickly and may require frequent application.
Cosmetic or commercial skin care products — including soaps, skin cleansers, exfoliating scrubs, moisturizers, sunscreens, and makeup — can all contain ingredients like fragrances, detergents, and dyes that can aggravate atopic dermatitis. Even products labeled “natural,” “dermatologically tested,” or “hypoallergenic” can cause allergic reactions.
When applying makeup, avoid bacteria-laced brushes and sponges, warned a beauty expert on the National Eczema Association website. “Wash your hands well and use your fingertips to dab on makeup,” she advised.
The National Eczema Association’s Eczema Product Directory lists products that have been created and approved specifically for use with eczema and very sensitive skin. This list includes barrier-repair moisturizers (under brand names like CeraVe and Cetaphil’s Restoraderm), which are designed to add ceramide lipids — a protective waxy molecule — to the skin in addition to hydration. These barrier restoration creams can fill in microscopic cracks in the skin.
Because atopic dermatitis can affect mental health, it’s important to prioritize your mental well-being and reach out for help when you need it. Conditions like anxiety and depression are also associated with atopic dermatitis. Talk to your primary care provider if you feel changes in your energy, mood, and interests. They can refer you to a mental health provider who can come up with a plan to help you feel better.
Members of MyEczemaTeam frequently share products, skin care tips, and advice that helps them soothe inflamed skin and manage atopic dermatitis flares. These ideas may or may not work for you and you should consult a dermatologist before you try anything new.
Icing, cold compresses, and gel packs on the face help many members calm itching. One member claimed to be “itch-free” after applying shea butter three or four times a day.
Foods that can cause inflammation — such as tomatoes, dairy, sugar, wheat, and processed foods — are sometimes thought to trigger eczema flares. “When I eliminated them from my diet, my itching stopped — and eczema almost cleared up,” said one member.
“Consider purchasing a live aloe vera plant,” one MyEczemaTeam member recommended. “Break off a small piece of one of the leaves, break it open, and apply the juice from inside the leaf to your baby’s skin.”
Aloe vera is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, which may help calm irritation and redness caused by atopic dermatitis. However, it’s important to patch test any new treatment on a small area of your child’s skin first and consult a pediatrician to ensure it’s safe for their needs.
Managing atopic dermatitis on the face takes patience, care, and a plan that works for you. Gentle treatments and lifestyle changes can help ease symptoms and improve your quality of life. Work with your doctor or dermatologist to find the best treatments for you and to watch for triggers that might cause flare-ups. Because atopic dermatitis affects everyone differently, what works for one person might make someone else’s symptoms worse.
Always talk to your health care provider before trying new medicines, skin care products, or making big changes to your routine. With the right help, you can keep your skin healthier and more comfortable.
On MyEczemaTeam, the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones, more than 54,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.
Do you have atopic dermatitis on your face? How do you treat it? Share your experiences in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
Ahsan Farooq Khan, MBBS
is a dedicated physician and dermatologist with a strong background in internal medicine, dermatology, aesthetics, and skin care.
Learn more about him here.
Laurie Berger
has been a health care writer, reporter, and editor for the past 14 years.
Learn more about her here.
Sarah Winfrey
is a writer at MyHealthTeam.
Learn more about her here.
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I get my facial products from the national eczema association...have had very good results with Vichy for face and Vanna cream face wash and body lotion...
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