Red spots, scales, nodules or blisters – as diverse as the manifestations of rashes on the face are, so are the causes.
What is rash on the face?
The technical term for skin manifestations such as nodules, pustules or blisters is efflorescence. The main efflorescences are spots, nodules, nodules, wheals, vesicles and pustules. The word efflorescence is derived from the Latin efflorescere, which means to blossom. In common parlance, a rash on the face is therefore also referred to as a “blooming face”. Skin inflammations that appear in the form of various efflorescences are called exanthem. Thus, when a physician diagnoses an exanthema, he means a skin rash. Although differences exist, the term eczema is often used synonymously with exanthem.
Causes
There are many causes of rash on the face. A toxic facial rash is caused by chemical substances and toxins. Rashes caused by environmental toxins, chemicals (especially dioxin), plant toxins, or even drugs fall into this group. The allergic rash is triggered by an excessive reaction of the immune system. Common triggers for allergic rash on the face are cosmetic products. Problem with today’s selection of cosmetics is often over care of the skin. Perioral dermatitis, also called “stewardess disease”, is particularly widespread among women. It manifests itself as a rash of vesicles around the mouth. Due to constant care with creams, lotions and serums, the skin loses its ability to produce the necessary lipids for its own care. The result: dry and scaly skin. As a consequence, those affected often resort to creams again, which, however, only aggravates the clinical picture. Numerous bacterial, parasitic and viral infections also cause rashes on the face. Well-known representatives of this group are “childhood diseases” such as measles, scarlet fever or rubella. Other causes are skin diseases such as neurodermatitis, acne or psoriasis. But also immune diseases such as lupus erythematosus or malignant diseases such as leukemia can result in rashes on the face.
Diseases with this symptom
- Measles
- Contact allergy
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Scarlet fever
- Neurodermatitis
- Leukemia
- Rubella
- Ringworm
- Acne
Diagnosis and course
The allergic rash is triggered by an excessive reaction of the immune system. To find the cause, a close look at the rash on the face is necessary. Does the rash occur exclusively on the face or are other parts of the body affected? Does the rash only stay in the same place or does it migrate? Typical of measles, for example, is a rash that starts behind the ears and then spreads over the entire face and the rest of the body. In rubella, too, the rash first starts on the face, whereas in scarlet fever the characteristic rash is first found on the thighs and only much later on the face. What do the individual efflorescences of the rash look like? Are they individual, distinct patches or is it an extensive rash? Are the skin manifestations flat or raised? Are they colorless or red? If vesicles are present, are they pus-filled or watery? Are there other skin symptoms besides the rash on the face, such as itching, burning, or pain? Are there other symptoms besides the rash, such as fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, or cough? Further clues may be provided by blood tests or allergy tests, depending on the suspicion.
Complications
A rash on the face not only doesn’t look pretty, it can have several causes. In any other part of the body you can at least hide the rash, but on the face? Well the causes can be very diverse, maybe a skin cream is not tolerated or something “wrong” was eaten. Sometimes a rash is also triggered because the skin has come into contact with chemicals or the immune system overreacts. Especially in women, the rash on the face is often due to cosmetic products, the skin is “over cared for”.By using different creams, the skin can no longer produce its own oils, which it urgently needs. However, if blisters or redness appear, many women turn to creams again, which only aggravate the problem. Skin diseases such as acne or neurodermatitis, for example, can of course also be the cause. Childhood diseases could also be behind it; measles, rubella or scarlet fever also cause skin rashes. Once the doctor has identified the cause, the rash can be treated quickly with an ointment, antibiotics or cortisone. However, if the rash on the face is due to an allergy, the irritation will disappear on its own. However, the patient must not come into contact with the remedy again. In the case of infectious diseases, the symptoms also disappear on their own, and treatment is usually not necessary. It looks different already with the psoriasis or with neurodermatitis, perhaps a light therapy or a cortisone-containing ointment helps.
When should you go to the doctor?
The skin is particularly frequently and intensively stressed in the facial area because it is exposed to the environment every day without protection. Sun rays can cause noticeable skin reactions in spring or summer, as can wind and cold in winter or fall. Due to these stresses, the facial area tends to develop mild rashes in many people. These are often harmless, so that a doctor does not have to be consulted immediately. Frequently, the use of the wrong face cream is also a possible cause, so that simply discontinuing it is sufficient. In order to decide whether medical advice should be sought because of a rash on the face, a balancing process must therefore be carried out. For this purpose, the specific circumstances of the individual case must be taken into account, so that generally applicable statements can only be understood as mere guidelines. In case of doubt, the weighing should at least be in favor of a visit to the family doctor. Particular caution should also be exercised in the case of skin rashes on the face if further symptoms occur. Especially if there are complaints of pain, fever or a general feeling of discomfort, a doctor must be consulted. In addition, it is worth seeing a family doctor if an existing rash changes or widens. The family doctor may refer to a dermatologist (skin specialist). Care must be taken with children, so there should be no hesitation in visiting a pediatrician.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of the rash is always causal. Allergic and toxic rash on the face usually disappear on their own. It is important to avoid the trigger in the future. The accompanying rash in infectious diseases also disappears in the course of the disease. Supportive medication such as cortisone or antibiotics can be used depending on the disease. If parasites such as mites cause the skin symptoms, antiparasitics are the drugs of choice. If the rash is a symptom of a skin disease such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, treatment is often difficult. Possible therapeutic approaches are light therapy, cortisone-containing creams or herbal therapeutics such as evening primrose oil. Daily skin care with lipid-replenishing oils and creams also plays an important role here.
Outlook and prognosis
A rash on the face does not necessarily lead to medical complications and does not necessarily need to be treated by a doctor. In many cases, the rash on the face occurs due to allergies or due to intolerances. However, it also disappears after a few hours or a few days, when the ingredient responsible for it has been completely removed from the body. If the rash on the face does not disappear on its own and lasts longer, a doctor should be consulted. The rash on the face can also occur due to a lack of personal hygiene or, during puberty, alongside acne. In many cases, the acne and rash disappear on their own, without the need for treatment. However, if the rash on the face leads to psychological problems and depression, a doctor should be consulted. Treatment can be done with tablets and with creams, and surgical intervention is not necessary. In most cases, treatment leads to success after a few days. Whether the rash on the face will disappear on its own without treatment depends largely on the cause of the rash.
Prevention
Prevention of rash on the face is not always possible. For example, it is naturally difficult to prevent a rash caused by an infectious disease. However, vaccinations are available against many infectious diseases that can cause facial rash (e.g., measles or rubella). Allergic rashes, on the other hand, can be prevented quite easily by strictly avoiding the triggering substance. However, nature also has some remedies that are suitable for preventing rashes on the face. For example, milk and honey or fatty oils such as almond or jojoba oil have a calming effect on the skin and thus prevent rashes. Regular quark masks or face masks made of oat bran, olive oil and rose water can also help to maintain healthy skin. However, any care should be used and dosed carefully to avoid overreaction of the skin.
What you can do yourself
Rashes on the face can often be significantly improved by consistent facial care in everyday life. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, those affected often forget to take good care of demanding skin. In the morning, a good skin cream should be used that suits the respective skin type. Regular reapplication of cream is particularly important in the winter months when the skin is dry. In the evening, the skin must be thoroughly cleansed to remove dirt and grease. Only then is the skin ready to receive care. Rashes on the face can also be alleviated by consistently avoiding stress factors for the skin. Heating air and cigarette smoke irritate the skin, as does friction caused by unsuitable materials in scarves and jackets. Especially for women, in some cases a reduction of cosmetics can improve the rash on the face. It is advisable to do without cosmetics in everyday life, especially at home, on a trial basis. If the skin condition improves decisively, a general reduction of cosmetic products on the face or the use of new products should be considered. Regular visits to cosmeticians should be integrated into the daily routine. Skin that is professionally cleansed is less prone to rashes.
