What ointments can be used for facial allergies?
Sep 02, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, facial allergies often present with symptoms such as erythema, itching, and papules. Patients may use medications such as hydrocortisone butyrate cream, mometasone furoate gel, tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus cream, or calamine lotion as directed by a physician. It is also important to avoid known allergens that may trigger facial allergies, such as pollen and cosmetics, and to maintain facial cleanliness.
Generally, facial allergy often presents with symptoms such as erythema, itching, and papules. Patients may use hydrocortisone butyrate cream, mometasone furoate gel, tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus cream, or calamine lotion as directed by a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Hydrocortisone Butyrate Cream
This medication belongs to the class of weak corticosteroid topical preparations and has anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and antipruritic effects. It alleviates inflammatory responses caused by facial allergies, reduces vascular dilation and tissue edema, and relieves symptoms such as erythema and itching. It is suitable for mild facial allergies, has relatively low skin irritancy, and is appropriate for the delicate skin of the face.
2. Mometasone Furoate Gel
Mometasone furoate gel is a medium-potency corticosteroid topical preparation with strong and long-lasting anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects. It inhibits the release of allergic mediators, reduces facial allergic reactions such as swelling, itching, and rash, and is suitable for moderate facial allergies. Its gel formulation has a light texture, is quickly absorbed after application, and is less likely to cause greasiness, making it suitable for facial use.
3. Tacrolimus Ointment
Tacrolimus ointment is a non-corticosteroid immunomodulator that reduces the release of inflammatory factors related to allergies by suppressing local skin immune responses, thereby relieving symptoms such as itching, erythema, and papules caused by facial allergies. Long-term use does not easily cause corticosteroid-related side effects such as skin atrophy and is suitable for patients with facial allergies who are intolerant to corticosteroids or require long-term maintenance therapy.
4. Pimecrolimus Cream
Pimecrolimus cream is also a non-corticosteroid immunomodulator with a mechanism of action similar to tacrolimus ointment. It selectively inhibits the activity of immune cells, reduces inflammation caused by facial allergies, and alleviates symptoms such as itching and swelling. It has low irritancy, is suitable for sensitive facial skin and children with facial allergies, improves skin barrier function, and reduces allergy recurrence.
5. Calamine Lotion
The main ingredients of calamine lotion are calamine and zinc oxide, which have astringent, antipruritic, and skin-protective properties. It forms a protective film on the surface of allergic facial skin, reducing external irritation while alleviating itching. It is suitable for facial allergies accompanied by mild redness and swelling without skin damage. Its ingredients are mild and have low skin irritancy.
In daily life, it is important to avoid contact with allergens that trigger facial allergies, such as pollen and cosmetics, maintain facial cleanliness, and avoid scratching allergic areas to prevent skin damage and infection. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after using topical medications, seek medical attention promptly and adjust the treatment plan under the guidance of a physician. Long-term self-medication should be avoided.
