Types of Facial Eczema: Atopic Eczema

Atopic Eczema is the most common cause of facial eczema, both in adults and children. It usually
begins in childhood, most often in the first year of life between two and six months, but as
with atopic eczema affecting other parts of the body, it may continue for many years into
adulthood. The cheeks and forehead are frequently involved first, but the whole face may
be affected along with other areas of the body. Itching, dryness and redness are the main
symptoms, but burning and stinging can also occur. Scratching may cause thickening of
the skin and it may darken in colour particularly in dark-skinned individuals. In the
thickened skin the normal markings often become more visible, leading to an appearance
termed ‘lichenification’. The eyelids may be involved (blepharitis) with thickening of the
lower eyelids being a particularly persistent problem. As with all forms of atopic eczema,
the exact cause isn’t clearly understood. Both inbuilt genetic factors and the influence of
the environment are important.