Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a long-term (chronic) skin condition. It causes the skin to become dry, red, itchy, and sometimes swollen or cracked. People of all ages can have it, but it often begins in early childhood.

This condition happens when the skin’s natural barrier becomes weak. That makes the skin lose moisture easily and become more sensitive to irritants or allergens. It can flare up from time to time, often due to triggers like weather changes, stress, or certain products.

Importantly, atopic dermatitis is not contagious. You cannot catch it from someone else.

Common Facial Areas Affected

When eczema shows up on the face, it tends to affect certain areas more than others.

Cheeks – In babies and toddlers, the cheeks are one of the first places to show red, rough patches.
Eyelids and around the eyes – In older children and adults, eczema often appears on the eyelids or just below the eyes.
Around the mouth and chin – Drool, food, or lip licking can irritate this area, especially in young children.
Forehead or sides of the nose – These areas can also be affected, particularly in people with sensitive skin.

What Does Facial Eczema Look Like?

The symptoms of facial eczema can vary, but there are some common signs to watch for:

Dryness – The skin may feel rough, tight, or flaky.
Redness or discoloration – On lighter skin, eczema looks red. On darker skin, it may look darker brown, purple, or ashen gray.
Itching – This is often the most bothersome symptom. People may scratch until the skin becomes sore or thick.
Swelling – The skin may puff up slightly due to inflammation.
Crusting or oozing – If scratched too much, the skin may crack, ooze clear fluid, or develop a yellow crust.
Thickened patches – Long-lasting eczema may make the skin look thicker or more leathery over time.

These patches can appear suddenly or develop slowly over days. The itching often gets worse at night.

Eczema by Age Group

Infants

Babies under one year old often develop eczema on the cheeks, forehead, or scalp. Their skin may look red, moist, and irritated. They may rub their face against bedding or caregivers’ clothing because they can’t yet scratch.

Toddlers and Children

As children grow, eczema might move to the folds of the elbows, knees, or neck. But the face can still be affected, especially around the mouth and eyes. The patches often look dry, scaly, and may be more itchy than inflamed.

Teens and Adults

In older kids and adults, eczema on the face tends to show up on the eyelids, around the eyes, or on the forehead. The skin may appear dry, rough, or thickened. It can be very itchy and sensitive. In some cases, adults who had eczema as kids may see it return on the face during times of stress or exposure to certain products.

Common Triggers

Eczema can flare up for many reasons. Here are some common triggers that may worsen facial eczema:

Cold or dry weather – Wind and low humidity can dry out the skin.
Harsh soaps or cleansers – Products with fragrance, alcohol, or strong chemicals can irritate the face.
Cosmetics or skin care products – Some ingredients, even in “natural” products, may cause reactions.
Sweating – Sweat can sting or worsen itchy areas, especially in hot weather.
Stress – Emotional stress is a known trigger for many skin conditions, including eczema.
Allergens – Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold can worsen symptoms in sensitive people.
Saliva and food – In children, drooling or messy eating can irritate the mouth and chin area.
Fabrics or detergents – Rough fabrics like wool or scented laundry detergents can irritate facial skin through contact with pillowcases or towels.

Not everyone reacts to the same triggers. What causes a flare-up in one person may not affect another.

Is It Eczema or Something Else?

It’s not always easy to tell if a facial rash is eczema or another skin condition. Here’s how eczema differs from other common rashes:

Eczema vs. Acne – Eczema patches are itchy and dry, while acne involves oily skin with pimples or blackheads. Eczema doesn’t usually have pus-filled spots.
Eczema vs. Contact dermatitis – Contact dermatitis happens when something touches the skin and causes a reaction. It can look like eczema, but usually appears in a clear pattern where the substance made contact.
Eczema vs. Seborrheic dermatitis – This condition causes red, flaky skin around the nose, eyebrows, or scalp. It’s usually not as itchy and often appears greasy.

If the rash is very itchy, dry, and flaky – especially on the cheeks or around the eyes – it’s more likely to be eczema.

When to See a Doctor

Most mild cases of facial eczema can be managed with gentle skin care. But there are times when you should see a doctor:

The rash doesn’t get better after trying moisturizers or avoiding triggers.
The skin becomes very red, swollen, or painful.
You see signs of infection like yellow crusts, pus, or fever.
The eczema is disrupting sleep or daily activities.
You are unsure whether it’s eczema or another condition.

A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and may prescribe medicated creams or ointments to help control the inflammation and itching.

How to Care for Eczema-Prone Facial Skin

Caring for facial eczema means protecting the skin and avoiding things that cause flares.

Here are some helpful tips:

Use a gentle cleanser – Choose a mild, fragrance-free face wash.
Moisturize daily – Apply a thick, hypoallergenic moisturizer right after washing your face.
Avoid harsh products – Skip scrubs, toners, or anything with alcohol or strong perfumes.
Test new products – Try a patch test behind the ear before using something new on your face.
Protect from cold and wind – Wear a scarf or use a barrier cream in the winter months.
Don’t scratch – Try not to rub or scratch the rash, as this can make it worse.
Watch for patterns – Keep track of what makes your skin worse and try to avoid it.

Final Thoughts

Atopic dermatitis on the face can cause dry, red (or darker), itchy patches, especially on the cheeks, eyes, or mouth area. If symptoms don’t improve or start to affect your quality of life, don’t hesitate to reach out to a dermatologist.