Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a common skin condition affecting children and adults. Eczema typically begins in childhood with 65 percent of the cases occurring during the first year of life. Symptoms start with intense itching. Scratching leads to redness, swelling and broken skin which results in "weeping" of clear fluid; once dried, scabs form. Treatment of eczema, whether on the face or other part of the body, strives to prevent flare ups and infection.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are medications that help decrease inflammation and are commonly used to treat eczema. Over-the-counter preparations are available, but usually physicians prescribe stronger corticosteroid creams or ointments. When topical corticosteroids are not sufficient to treat eczema, oral steroids may be prescribed. These are powerful drugs with the potential to cause serious side effects. The National Institutes of Health advises that patients and caregivers take corticosteroids as directed. Furthermore, patients should not suddenly stop taking steroids as severe withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Side effects of long term corticosteroid use include thinning of the skin, increased risk of infection, and suppression of the adrenal glands with growth suppression in children. For this reason, physicians encourage lifestyle changes, meticulous skin care, and if necessary, other forms of medications to treat eczema.
Antibiotics
Scott and White Hospital explains that eczema of the face and on other parts of the body frequently becomes infected. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat infections. Controlling infections can help minimize scarring.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are used to reduce itching and scratching. These medicines are usually taken at night because they make people drowsy and minimize scratching during sleep.
Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants are selected as a treatment option for severe eczema that does not respond to other therapies. Immunosuppressants weaken the body's response to allergens and other triggers of eczema. This helps to decrease the redness, swelling and itching that eczema causes. However, the NIH reports that immunosuppressants have serious side effects and are only used in adults under close supervision of a physician.
Phototherapy
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends phototherapy, or ultraviolet light, as treatment of eczema on the face or other parts of the body. Because of the risks of UV light, minimum exposure is prescribed with close monitoring from a physician. Patients must be 12 years or older to receive this therapy.
Minimize Allergen Exposure
Allergies can be a cause of eczema. Treatment of eczema of the face includes reducing exposure to allergens. Getting allergy tested can help identify potential allergens like certain animals or foods. Washing linen in very hot water at least two times a week, vacuuming a minimum of two times a week, staying indoors when pollen counts are high, and avoiding foods or animals that you are allergic to can decrease allergen exposure.
Skin Care
To treat eczema of the face, wash your skin gently with lukewarm water and mild or non-soap cleansers. Air or pat dry your skin and moisturize heavily and frequently. Avoid lotions that contain alcohol as this dries the skin.
