The formation of red spots on the face presents itself especially after eating certain foods. Equally, however, it can also be seen as a reaction to stress or heat. However, the causes are usually hidden deep in the organism.
What are red spots on the face?
The formation of red spots on the face occurs especially after the consumption of certain foods. Equally, however, it can also be seen as a reaction to stress or heat. The disease includes discoloration of the skin on the face. Here, the parts of the cheeks, the forehead as well as the chin are regularly affected by a reddish blotchiness. In rarer cases, however, the optical blemish extends to the entire face, sparing only smaller areas around the eyes. Adults can be affected as well as children. In most cases, an accumulation is also more frequent in younger years. Here, a weakness of the immune system would come into consideration. Depending on the cause, the redness is accompanied by other symptoms. These may include increasing itching, the development of pimples and pustules, or the formation of scars. However, the diagnosis often proves to be difficult, since several disease patterns deeply rooted in the organism are considered as triggers. In this respect, however, the discolorations are not contagious and should subside naturally after a few hours – at most after three to five days – even without treatment. Only in the case of longer-lasting or more frequently recurring complaints, a doctor would have to be consulted.
Causes
The causes of spotting can vary. On the one hand, a form of intolerance to food or external and internal influences such as heat as well as stress come into consideration here. In this case, the skin on the face reacts as an excretory organ that secretes toxins or waste products. These initially accumulate under the skin, forming reddish pimples. Likewise, the discoloration could also be interpreted as a direct reaction to incompatible substances. They occur particularly frequently in histamine or fructose intolerance. In this case, the body defends itself against the products administered to it. In some situations, the colored dots thus already form after the consumption of acidic fruit such as strawberries or oranges. On the other hand, in addition to the manifestations of intolerance, a general weakness of the immune system must also be considered as a second major cause. Here, secondary diseases such as rheumatism, arthritis or neurodermatitis are regularly observed. The spots on the facial skin could therefore also represent eczema. Often these are genetically caused defects in the organism.
Diseases with this symptom
- Histamine intolerance
- Shingles
- Fructose intolerance
- Acne
- Neurodermatitis
- Eczema
Diagnosis and course
The course of each symptom is also shaped depending on the causative disease. A normal reaction in the context of the allergy should subside within a few days, provided that the incompatible product is not further consumed. Consequently, relatively quick successes are achieved, which can be supported by appropriate preparations. On the other hand, the situation is somewhat different in the case of a fundamental weakening of the immune system. If eczema has spread to the face, it can remain there for several days or even weeks. Here, as it progresses, it would be expected to become more itchy. Some of the spots tend to form sores. If they are opened by the scratching of the affected person or by aggressive cleaning and cosmetic products, scars may also develop. Likewise, a scabby crust must be expected during the healing process. However, it symbolizes the healing process and should therefore not be removed. For a more accurate diagnosis in both cases – both intolerance and atopic dermatitis – but a specialist should be consulted.
Complications
Red patches on the face have various causes, and these have various complications. For example, redness can typically occur because of the infectious disease scarlet fever. Usually, scarlet fever treated heals without further consequences. If left untreated, the disease can spread to various organs, causing, for example, inflammation of the middle ear or sinuses (otitis media or sinusitis, respectively).Abscesses in joints, lungs or even in the brain are also conceivable. A rare but feared complication is the formation of toxins from the streptococci, which can then trigger shock (toxic shock syndromes). Also rare is the formation of antibodies against the pathogens, which can attack the body’s own organs. This can result in secondary diseases such as inflammation of the renal corpuscles (glomerulonephritis), which in the worst case can end in kidney failure, or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever affects the joints and heart. Furthermore, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can also cause the red spots on the face. In some cases, this autoimmune disease can spread to the brain, causing paralysis or epileptic seizures. Kidney tissue destruction is also conceivable. In addition, an allergy can also redden the face due to a histamine release. Along with swelling of the respiratory tract and threat of suffocation, an allergen can lead to anaphylactic shock.
When should you go to the doctor?
In many cases, the red spots on the face appear only temporarily and disappear on their own. In this case, treatment by a doctor is not necessary. Often the spots on the face appear in case of allergy or intolerance. After a short time, however, the red spots disappear again when the body has broken down the respective ingredients. There is no need to see a doctor if no further complaints occur. However, if the affected person also complains of pain or dizziness, a doctor should be consulted in case of an allergic reaction. The same applies to severe allergic reactions or shock with severe swelling. If the spots appear due to intolerance of a cosmetic product, in the first place no treatment is necessary either. In most cases, the spots disappear on their own after a short period of time and do not need to be treated. However, if the spots appear over a long period of time or without a specific reason, it is advisable to consult a doctor. This may be another underlying condition that needs to be investigated and treated.
Treatment and therapy
In both courses of the disease, both internal and external therapy are targeted at the same time. The internal cure is more fundamental, but is therefore also associated with a cure lasting several months or even years. The aim is to strengthen the immune system. The first step is usually a reorganization of the intestinal flora, in which mainly benign bacteria should subsequently settle. In this way the organism can process the food administered to it better and more effectively. The undesirable processes of elimination through the skin are thus rarely carried out or are completely eliminated. At the same time, the immune system is strengthened in this way and can therefore better cope with other influences such as stress in the future. The functions of the organs regulate themselves. The body works normally and as desired. The symptoms subside in the course of improvement. A second form of internal therapy, on the other hand, aims at quick success. Here, the body is usually hypersensitized over a limited period of time. The intolerable substance is introduced into the organism by means of tablets or injections. There, the corresponding antibodies are now formed for defense. If this does not succeed either, suppressive drugs can at least bring about a temporary improvement in the situation, as acute episodes of spot formation are inhibited. In contrast, there is the external application. In this case, mostly alkaline creams, lotions or soaps are applied to the skin, which do not aggressively treat the already irritated face. Rather, they ensure the restoration of a healthy pH value there. Likewise, ointments containing cortisone can cause a decrease in the formation of spots as well as itching.
Outlook and prognosis
Usually, the red spots on the face occur when there is an intolerance or allergic reaction to a certain food or ingredient. They then disappear when the body has completely broken down that ingredient, which can take several days. For the patient, the red spots on the face usually represent an unpleasant appearance. If the spots last longer, a doctor must be consulted in any case.Without treatment, pimples also appear on the spots, not infrequently these spots lead to itching and thus pain. Treatment usually takes place either with creams, ointments or with medications. There is no surgical intervention. In most cases, the spots can be removed relatively quickly and easily. In severe cases, the red spots on the face are a symptom of an inflammation in the ear or nose. This must also be treated by a doctor. Without treatment, such inflammations can spread and affect other regions.
Prevention
A prevention of the stain formation does not always turn out to be quite simple. For this purpose, it would be necessary to recognize the actual condition as a trigger and treat it accordingly. In addition, however, the affected person is also required to adapt his daily life to the disease. If he tends to be intolerant to certain foods, these must be strictly avoided. A diet based on compatible types of fruit and vegetables and cereals would be advisable. It is also advisable to eliminate all other disturbing factors. Here, especially the mental aspects take an important role.
This is what you can do yourself
Red spots on the face are not always signs of a disease. After physical exertion, red spots are quite normal. They go away on their own. If they are permanently visible, a heart disease could be behind them. In this case, a visit to the doctor is necessary. Many sensitive people show red spots during stress. If this happens during a job interview, for example, it is then very unpleasant for those affected. The stress increases and the spots become stronger. As soon as the nervous system has calmed down again, the redness disappears by itself. In the long term, it is worth working on one’s stress resistance. Autogenic training, yoga, a healthy diet, plenty of sleep and exercise in the fresh air boost the immune system and also the resistance of the nervous system. Red spots on the face can also be the symptom of an allergy. If the allergy-causing substance has been identified, it can be avoided. It is not uncommon for red spots to be caused by spending too much time in the sun. The most important immediate measure is to avoid the sun. People with sensitive skin react more strongly to environmental influences. This can also show itself with red spots on the face. While cosmetics will not make sensitive skin less sensitive, soothing plant extracts can provide relief. Cold compresses are helpful because they constrict blood vessels and reduce redness.
