Rash on Face

Amongst all types of skin rashes, rash on face is very irritating and annoying as you can not hide it. Rash is usually the reaction of the body towards some food you have eaten or some cosmetic that you have used. The affected area of your face appears red and somewhat swollen. You have to find out the affecting factor, by keeping a close watch on your food intake and use of cosmetics. Once the cause is detected, you can easily exclude that food item or that cosmetic product from your routine. Sometimes, the red rash develops on your forehead and face, which then slowly spreads towards neck and chest. The reddened skin may become itchy in some cases and there can be prominent swelling also. Sometimes, the rash is accompanied by fever and sore throat. Difficulty in breathing and fainting due to severe allergy is observed in very few cases. Thus, the condition, appearance, severity of the rash on face can be different for different people. The reasons behind the rash on face and neck can vary from person to person. Rash on the face is mostly due to some allergy. Following are the common causes of rashes on face.

Causes of Face Rash

• Acne rosasea: Red patches of skin or papules and excessive flushing is seen on the face, due to acne rosacea. Causes can be anxiety, extreme heat or even intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff affects the sebum rich parts like scalp, face and upper body parts and the affected skin becomes itchy and red.
• Acne: Acne, blackheads (pin sized black spots) or whiteheads (red bumps with white center), pimples are sometimes the cause of itching sensation which might lead to face rash.
• Herpes: Herpes usually appears as a group of small, burning translucent blisters around the mouth, for which you should immediately consult your physician.
• Eczema: Eczema is found mostly in children with asthma or other allergies. If the rash on face is accompanied by excessive itching sensation, it can be eczema, for which you should consult your doctor.
• Fungal Infection: Fungal rash on face happens due to a fungal infection. It is in the form of round pink patches.
• Medications: There can be itchy rash on face as a result of the side effect of some medications.
• Jewelry: If the jewelry on face is rubbing against the skin continuously, it may result in rash on face.
• Head lice: Lice in hair can spread the infection towards face, leading to rash on face.
• Sun while skiing: Sunrays get reflected from the white snow, increasing the intensity of the effect and can burn the skin. There can be rash on face, if there is excessive exposure to the sun while skiing.
• Sun on a beach: Excessive exposure to sun on the beach can result in rash on face.
• Insect bites: Occasionally, insect bites can generate rash on face. Bees, ants are common examples of insects causing this problem. Red, itchy bumps are observed, which disappear in few days.
• Dengue fever: Dengue fever is transmitted from person to person by mosquitoes. It is a viral disease with fever and itchy rash on skin. Small amounts of bleeding is also noticed sometimes.
• Scarf fabric: Synthetic fabric can lead to rash on face. You should wear a scarf made from smooth cotton fabric.
• Food and drinks: Due to allergy of some ingredient in food or drink, there can be rash on face.
• Dry skin due to winter: Cold and windy weather accompanied by excessive room-heating at home, can dry off the face skin and it may result in face rash.
• Alcohol based aftershave: You should always check the ingredients of the product , you are buying. Alcohol based aftershaves can be the cause of rash on face.
• Inappropriate make-up: You may have rash on face after make-up as your face skin can be allergic to certain products used in make-up kit.
• Pollens in the atmosphere: Pollens in the atmosphere, though not visible, can affect eyes and nose. Sometimes, they can be the cause of rash on face.
• Ingrown hair or razor bumps: Some hair grow back into their own hair follicles, leading to follicle inflammation. Men with curly hair mostly face this problem. They should avoid shaving hair close to the skin.
• Shampoos and conditioners: Sodium lauryl sulfate, a chemical used in most of the toiletries to create foam, affects the skin and results in itchy rash on face.
• Hair dyes, hair gels, hair sprays: The harmful chemicals in hair dyes, hair color, sprays or gels can lead to rash on face.
• Aggressive soaps and liquid face washes: The acidic ingredients used in soaps can dry off the face skin, leading to rash on face.
• Excessive face washing with too hot water: Too hot water always dries the skin. Lukewarm water should be used to wash the face.
• Viral infections like chickenpox, measles: This is often observed in children. This type of viral infection can lead to rash on face and chest.
• Sweat due to excessive heat and humidity: If the face is not washed often with lukewarm water, there can be a rash on face. Skin hygiene has to be taken care of, if you live or work in a region of excessive heat and humidity.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Red rash on face, in the form of butterfly is seen mostly in young or middle aged people. Butterfly rash on face extends over the nose and cheeks.
• Pregnancy: Rash on face during pregnancy is quite common, as several hormonal changes happen during pregnancy.
• Chlorine: Chlorine in the water of the local swimming pool can cause rash on face.

Precautions for Face Rash

• Never wash the face with hot water, instead use lukewarm water.
• Wash the face 5-6 times in a day.
• You can take antibiotics or over the counter medicines, to get rid of infection.
• Consult your physician for severe infections like fungal infection.
• Use cotton scarfs or hats and sun-glasses to cover the eyes and face.
• Apply cold creams, moisturizers to avoid drying of the face skin.
• You can apply olive oil or other effective oils to smoothen the skin of your face.
• Use acne skin care products which are suitable to your skin.
• Facial skincare is not only an important factor to prevent infections, but also a significant factor affecting social life.
• Do not cover your rash to hide it. It should be rather exposed to fresh air.
• Use oatmeal to wash your face. This can help reduce the rash.
• Healthy diet and drinking lots of water can always help improve the quality of your skin.
• Do not touch the rash constantly, as it may irritate the skin further. Apply skin soothers and also wash your hands properly, every time after touching the rash.
• Use gentler soaps and toiletries.
• Do not scrub your face. Aloe Vera gel, cod liver oil, vitamin E oil work great for rash on face.
• You can apply baking powder on the area where you have rashes.

I hope, this article relieves the itching and discomfort due to rash on face and helps you to regain your looks. There can be no instant effect, just have patience, as the results can be seen slowly.