Facial dermatitis: types, symptoms, and possible causes

Redness on the cheek, flaking near the eyebrow, dryness under the eye — such changes are easy to miss until they start to itch. Facial dermatitis is inflammation of the skin at the site where an external factor acts, and it comes in several variants.

What facial dermatitis is and what types it has

Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin that develops where an external physical or chemical factor has acted directly on it. In medicine, the clarification "contact dermatitis" is customary; other skin lesions are classified as toxidermias.

Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema, a group of conditions in which the skin becomes dry and irritated. A distinction is made between simple dermatitis, which develops quickly due to cell damage, and allergic dermatitis — a delayed-type reaction involving sensitized lymphocytes.

The face is one of the most common locations, along with the hands. On light skin the reaction looks like redness; on dark skin it looks like dark brown, purple, or gray patches. Itching, dryness, cracks, and blisters appear hours or days after contact with an irritant or allergen.

Dermatitis of the eyelids, eyes, and skin under the eyes

The skin of the eyelids is thin, and changes on it are noticeable earlier than on the cheeks. Dermatitis of the eyelids and the skin under the eyes produces the same signs: redness or darkening, flaking, dryness, itching, sometimes blisters and cracks.

The cause may be cosmetic products or certain metals, such as nickel. The reaction usually appears hours or days after contact, so the link to the substance is not always obvious.

The doctor tries to identify the cause; if this fails, they refer the patient to a dermatologist for additional tests.

Oral dermatitis: around the mouth and on the chin

There is no separate description of oral (perioral) dermatitis in the reference materials. Around the mouth and on the chin, the same general mechanisms of contact dermatitis are at work: an irritant damages the outer layer of the skin, and an allergen triggers an immune response. The signs are the same — redness, dryness, flaking, itching, sometimes small blisters. If the redness persists for a long time or recurs, a doctor's consultation is needed.

Dermatitis on the forehead, eyebrows, and nose

The forehead, eyebrows, and skin under the nose look the same as other areas in contact dermatitis: redness or darkening, flaking, itching, dryness, cracks, and in a pronounced reaction — blisters. Among the causes of simple dermatitis are mechanical irritants and prolonged use of respirators.

Possible causes and triggers

There are two groups of causes. An irritant directly damages the outer layer of the skin; an allergen triggers an immune system response that harms the skin. Contact dermatitis is more often caused by irritants: soap and detergents, solvents, regular contact with water. The allergic variant is less common: it is provoked by cosmetics, certain metals, including nickel, and raw vegetables and fruits.

Simple dermatitis is caused by mechanical irritants, high and low temperatures, UV rays, electric current, and prolonged use of respirators. Among allergens are chemical substances, medicinal and cosmetic products, and plants. Certain genes make a skin reaction more likely.

When to see a dermatologist

The reason for a visit is persistent, recurring, or severe symptoms. The doctor tries to identify the cause; referral to a dermatologist is made if the substance cannot be identified or the symptoms do not respond to treatment.

• symptoms are persistent — they do not go away for a long time;
• symptoms recur;
• symptoms are severe;
• the cause cannot be identified;
• symptoms do not respond to treatment.

Redness and flaking on the face are not in themselves a reason to call an ambulance. 103/112 — for a life-threatening condition (signs of stroke, heart attack, severe injury).

This material is for reference: it describes signs and possible causes but does not replace a doctor's consultation — the diagnosis is made by a doctor after examination.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer