From the Guidelines
Non-pharmacological treatments for facial dermatitis should prioritize gentle skincare routines, trigger avoidance, and moisturizer use to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, emphasizes the importance of emollients and gentle skincare in managing atopic dermatitis, which can be applied to facial dermatitis as well. Key non-pharmacological approaches include:
- Identifying and avoiding triggers that may cause flare-ups, such as certain skincare products, detergents, or environmental factors
- Establishing a gentle skincare routine using fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleansers and moisturizers specifically formulated for sensitive skin
- Applying moisturizer immediately after washing while the skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration
- Using lukewarm water instead of hot water when washing the face, as hot water can strip natural oils and worsen irritation
- Considering the use of cold compresses for 5-10 minutes several times daily to reduce inflammation and itching
- Maintaining good hydration by drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier in dry environments to prevent skin dryness
- Avoiding scratching affected areas, as this can lead to skin damage and potential infection
- Utilizing stress management techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises, as stress can trigger or worsen dermatitis flares, as noted in 1 and 1. These approaches work by protecting the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and minimizing exposure to irritants that can trigger immune responses in the skin.
From the Research
Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Facial Dermatitis
- Topical non-pharmacological products such as cosmetics or medical devices may improve clinical outcomes in facial seborrheic dermatitis, including products with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredients like zinc, piroctone olamine, dihydroavenanthramide, biosaccharide gum-2, and stearyl glycyrrhetinate 2
- The use of specific cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens formulated as light creams or gel/creams is recommended for patients with facial seborrheic dermatitis 2
- Avoiding the causative agent is a key treatment for facial contact dermatitis, which can be either irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) or allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) 3
- Black tea dressings have been shown to be a rapidly effective treatment for facial dermatitis, with a dramatic reduction in disease severity within the first 3 days of treatment 4
- Non-pharmacologic strategies, including bathing, bleach baths, and early use of emollients, can be effective in treating atopic dermatitis and improving quality of life for patients 5
Specific Ingredients and Products
- Zinc, piroctone olamine, dihydroavenanthramide, biosaccharide gum-2, and stearyl glycyrrhetinate are examples of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredients that may be beneficial in treating facial seborrheic dermatitis 2
- Black tea has been shown to be an effective treatment for facial dermatitis, with no observed side effects 4
- Emollients can be used to help control the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis, and can be used in conjunction with other non-pharmacologic strategies like bathing and bleach baths 5