Can stress cause eczema on the face?

How does stress affect eczema?

Stress increases cortisol, a hormone involved in the body's stress response. Brief increases can reduce inflammation, but prolonged stress can disrupt cortisol's effects and upset the balance of the immune system and skin barrier. Skin can become drier, more sensitive and more likely to flare. Managing stress and getting enough sleep can help reduce future flares.3

Is the facial rash definitely eczema?

Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, can affect the face, eyelids and lips in children and adults. It causes itchy, dry or cracked patches. The rash can look red on lighter skin or brown, purple or gray on darker skin. Facial eczema is particularly common in babies and toddlers.14

A rash appearing during a stressful week does not identify its cause. Fragranced skincare, soaps, temperature changes, infections and hormonal changes can also trigger symptoms. Have a new facial rash assessed rather than assuming stress explains it. A clinician can examine your skin and ask about when symptoms started, your health history and possible triggers.1

What should you do during a flare?

1. 1Wash with an emollient, a moisturizing treatment, instead of soap. Avoid known irritants and keep cool, because heat can increase itching.
2. 2Apply a fragrance free moisturizing cream or ointment at least twice daily and immediately after bathing. Continue moisturizing when the rash improves.
3. 3For temporary itch relief, soak a clean washcloth in cool water, wring it until damp and place it on the itchy area. After removing it, apply moisturizer.
4. 4Use prescribed eczema medicine exactly as directed. Topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors are treatment options, but overusing topical medicines can cause side effects.

How can you reduce the stress trigger?

Journaling can help you identify stressors, and the notebook does not need a wellness brand's permission. Note stressful events and recurring flare patterns, then bring those patterns to your clinician. Hormonal changes, including during pregnancy, can contribute too, so a pattern is useful information rather than a diagnosis.346

Try mindfulness, meditation or yoga, and protect your sleep. Adults generally need seven to nine hours a night. A calming routine can help you manage stress, without needing to become a second job. If stress remains difficult to manage despite lifestyle changes, ask a healthcare provider for help.6

What if your child has facial eczema?

Repeatedly telling a child to stop scratching rarely works and can increase stress. Try a favorite activity to distract them, keep nails short and consider eczema mittens for a baby with facial eczema. Use an itch relief product only if their dermatologist recommends it. A child's treatment plan should address skin care, medicine when needed, coping strategies and trigger avoidance. Contact their dermatologist if treatment hurts or seems ineffective.25

How long does a flare last, and when should you get help?

With treatment, itching can ease before the rash fades, which can take days to weeks. Atopic eczema can return, so do not stop ongoing skin care simply because a stressful period ends. See a clinician if treatment is not helping or symptoms cause pain and discomfort.14

Get urgent medical help for blistering, crusting, leaking fluid, pus, warmth, swelling or pain, especially if the rash suddenly worsens or spreads. Fever or feeling generally unwell also needs urgent assessment. These can signal infection or eczema herpeticum, a serious complication.4