Eczema on the face or hands can negatively impact the individual’s self-esteem and self-confidence. A flaking rash can make the person feel self-conscious in public. Women and teenage girls with eczema on the face may try to use makeup to cover the rash, which doesn’t usually work well since the rash is often irritated and has flaking, dry skin. Wearing powdered makeup can dry out the skin and make the eczema rash worse.

Children with atopic dermatitis, especially eczema on fingers or the face, can be subjected to bullying and teasing by peers. Such teasing can be traumatic for children. Reassurance from their parents may help. The parents may want to encourage children with eczema to express how they feel. Like with many stressful situations, the freedom of expressing their feelings may help alleviate some of the stress from eczema and teasing.

According to research, up to sixty percent of children with atopic dermatitis have sleep disturbances. This can be partly due to stress from the condition and due to itchiness and discomfort of the eczema rash. Some parents allow a child with atopic dermatitis to miss a day or two of school to help them cope with the eczema flare-up and loss of sleep. A parent needs to be careful not to let a child fall behind in schoolwork. If parents are concerned, they should consult a doctor.

Since self-image and the foundation for self-esteem are formed in childhood, rashes that attract negative attention from peers such as eczema on fingers or the child’s face can be especially detrimental to a child or adolescent. If a child is repeatedly teased, the child is susceptible to developing low self-esteem. A parent should try to counteract these effects by sincere interest and praise for accomplishments, personality qualities, and talent. One positive that may emerge is that a child who has been ridiculed may learn to be sensitive to the emotional needs of others. Still, a child should have plenty of emotional support at home.

For teenagers and adults, they should try to be patient and remember that flare-ups are temporary. If the rash is worrisome, the person with eczema should seek medical treatment. An eczema rash on the face can be treated with Elidel, but should not be treated with cortisone creams. Prompt treatment at the first sign of a rash can help eliminate the stress of having to face the world with noticeable eczema. Keeping the skin moisturized can help prevent flare-ups.