7 common causes of facial atopic dermatitis 

Like our hands, our face is exposed to a wide variety of external stimuli on a daily basis. Cold or dry air, temperature differences, water or make-up are just some of the possible factors that can facilitate the development of atopic dermatitis on the face.

When the skin then reacts with irritation and inflammation, it is sometimes not that easy to find out what the cause is. Each patient can also react differently to the same factor. In this article you will find 7 common triggers for facial atopic dermatitis.

What are the triggers for facial atopic dermatitis?

The exact causes of skin inflammation are not yet known. However, there are several trigger factors that can favour that incidence. These include:

  • Air that is too dry or too humid
  • Strong temperature differences
  • Heat and sweating
  • Make-up or cosmetic products
  • Stress
  • Certain foods
  • Contact with textiles, e.g. wool in scarves

1. Air that is too dry or too humid

Dry indoor air in particular, as is often the case in winter with heating systems, can dry out the sensitive skin of atopic dermatitis patients and lead to a feeling of tightness and itching. A very humid climate can also result in increased symptoms, e.g. due to increased sweating or because certain factors such as mites find better conditions in a humid climate.

2. Strong temperature differences

Extremely cold or hot temperatures and the frequent change between warm and cold are poorly tolerated by many patients and the skin reacts with a flare-up of symptoms. Particularly in winter, the change between heated indoor spaces and the cold temperatures outside can put a strain on the skin.

3. Heat and sweating

When it’s warm outside in the summer or when doing sport, you quickly start to sweat. However, if the sweat remains on the skin for too long, it can irritate the skin and exacerbate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. A practical way to dress is the so-called “onion principle”. This involves putting several layers of clothing on top of each other and taking a layer off or on as required. This way you are equipped for different temperatures.

4. Make-up or cosmetic products

We all want to look good. The sensitive skin around the eyes and mouth in particular is very thin and quickly reacts to make-up and other cosmetic products with irritation. It is therefore better to avoid make-up during an acute flare-up. But even in symptom-free periods, it is important not to overdo it with cosmetic products on the face. If you want to wear make-up, always make sure that the products are well tolerated.

5. Stress

Stress is a common trigger for the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Itching in particular can increase with emotional stress and restlessness. This in turn can lead to an attack of atopic dermatitis, as scratching damages the skin and favours inflammation. Regular time-outs and relaxation are therefore important to counteract stress and the hectic pace of everyday life.

6. Certain foods

Food is very often suspected to be behind symptoms or flare-ups. In fact, some people with atopic dermatitis also suffer from a food allergy or intolerance. However, this is not as common as one might think. Any suspicion should always be discussed with a doctor. Cow’s milk, soya or wheat, for example, can often lead to intolerance reactions.

7. Contact with textiles

Many people with atopic dermatitis react sensitively to certain textiles on their skin. This is often the case with scratchy fabrics such as wool or synthetic fibres. The skin can react with redness and itching and these materials are therefore better avoided. Cotton clothing, on the other hand, is well suited as it is breathable and gentle on the skin.

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Picture of Neurodermitis App Nia
Neurodermitis App Nia