Managing Eczema on the Face

As parents, we can experience many types of rashes on our little ones – including on their faces. In babies, the cheeks are often the first place eczema will appear, and children who have eczema will often be affected by eczema on the face and scalp. Knowing the difference between eczema and other rashes is essential so you can treat and manage symptoms appropriately.

If your little one is experiencing a flare-up on their face, avoiding their eczema triggers and keeping up with their gentle cleansing and moisturising routine is crucial to help their delicate skin recover.

What does eczema on the face look like?

There are many different types of eczema, which can present different symptoms.

Atopic eczema on a child’s face can look like:

• Dry or scaly skin that might crack and weep clear fluid
• Red, irritated or itchy skin
• A red, purple, brown or grey rash on their face and scalp
• Small bumps and blisters that can crust over

If you suspect your little one has eczema on their face or body, it’s best to speak to a medical professional for a formal diagnosis. They can help you give your little one the proper treatment and develop an eczema management plan if necessary.

What can cause eczema on the face?

Atopic eczema usually doesn’t have a single primary cause, but it can be caused by a combination of things, including genetics, immune reactions, and environmental factors. Many triggers can cause a flare-up, such as dry skin, exposure to heat, skincare products, chemical irritants, and allergens in the environment.

It's important to be mindful of the products used to wash your little one’s face, including baby wipes, as these may contain ingredients that can trigger an eczema flare-up. Over-wiping a little one’s face and mouth can also cause the skin to dry out, leading to worsening symptoms. However, leaving food sitting on their face and mouth can also irritate the skin, so it’s best to take a gentle approach to keeping their face clean throughout the day.

If your little one tolerates oats, mixing lukewarm water with colloidal oatmeal, which has natural cleansing and moisturising properties, can be a gentle way to clean their face. Use it with a soft, clean face washcloth.

How can I manage eczema on my child’s face?

While face eczema has no cure, there are things you can do to support your little one’s skin to manage the condition, including:

• Daily lukewarm baths to wash away environmental triggers – you may wish to add some Itchy Baby Co. Natural Oatmeal Bath Soak to gently cleanse their skin and boost moisture
• Identifying and avoiding their eczema triggers wherever possible
• Applying a nourishing moisturiser immediately after bath time (and during the day if necessary) to prevent the skin from drying out
• Using gentle, fragrance-free skincare products that won’t further irritate their skin
• Taking care to be extra gentle when wiping or cleaning their face
• Using a cool compress on their cheeks during hot weather if the heat has triggered a flare-up
• Managing hayfever symptoms, which can cause itchy and watery eyes that can further irritate eczema around the eye area.

Always speak to your medical professional for advice on managing your little one’s individual condition.

If your little one struggles with eczema on their face or scalp, you’re not alone. As this kind of eczema is so visible, it can be pretty distressing for parents and loved ones. Eczema is a complex condition, but by managing triggers and maintaining a consistent skincare routine, we can support the skin barrier towards recovery.

This blog post was brought to you and your bub with love and care by the Itchy Baby Co. team x

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only and you should always consult your medical professional.