Facial Skin Rash: Symptoms and Causes

Skin rashes that appear on the face very often make it a challenge for medical professionals to diagnose.  However, once the signs and symptoms are identified, the underlying cause becomes easy to spot.  Probably the main problem with skin rashes on the face is that they raise aesthetic concerns, mainly because they are readily seen.  The good news is that certain facial skin rashes are temporary and easily treatable.  The bad news is that there are some cases where the underlying condition is more serious.

Appearance of skin rashes on the face

Facial skin rashes can come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes.  Some blotches can appear red, pink, dark brown, gray or purple.  Others appear as visible bumps while others are flat.  Some are itchy while others are nothing more than just unsightly marks on the skin.

If you do suffer from a skin rash on the face, it’s important to note how the spot first appeared, particularly if it has changed over a period of time.  The physical characteristics of the skin rash will help your doctor diagnose the condition causing it.

Common causes of facial skin rashes

There are several conditions that lead to the appearance of skin rashes on the face.  These include:

Acne

Acne remains the scourge not just of teenagers but also of adults.  Acne appears as deep red bumps on the face, which can either appear inflamed or filled with pus.  The sizes of the bumps can vary.

Although acne is a treatable facial skin rash, it can cause a lot of distress on individuals suffering from it.  It’s unsightly, can be alternately itchy and painful and if the condition worsens, it can even lead to scarring.

Eczema

Eczema tends to be a chronic inflammatory skin disease, frequently caused by hypersensitivity or allergic reaction.  It can appear as non-elevated macules or elevated papules.  Some rashes may even contain pus and fluids.  Facial skin rashes caused by eczema can be severely itchy.  If the patient isn’t careful, scratching can lead to tearing of the skin and eventual scarring.

Treating eczema is limited to managing its symptoms, mainly because there is no known medication or treatment that can cure it.  With proper care and medication, eczema can be managed.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

To the layman, seborrhoeic dermatitis is better known as dandruff.  Although it’s itchy, produces flakes and crusting, it is actually harmless.  However, it can cause discomfort and in some cases, embarrassment.

Although seborrhoeic dermatitis frequently appears on the scalp, it can spread out to other areas, such as the face and ears.  Treating seborrhoeic dermatitis usually involves using medicated soaps and shampoos or topical lotions and ointments.

Lupus

Lupus (Lupus Erythematosus) is an auto-immune disorder that is characterized by red skin rashes that spread out on the face.  The pattern usually appears as a butterfly or frequently, vaguely resembles the markings on the face of the wolf, hence its name.  Cutaneous lupus frequently affects women ages 20 – 50.  It is more prevalent in dark-skinned individuals.  Appearance of skin rashes on the face is often triggered by exposure to sunlight.

Another form of lupus that causes skin rashes on the face is discoid lupus erythematosus.  Skin rashes appear as reddish, scaly inflamed patches that affect the patient’s nose, cheeks and ears.  It can sometimes spread to the neck and the shoulders.

The treatment for this type of facial skin rash should be accompanied by a medical professional’s guidance.  Healthful habits are often prescribed, along with medications and food supplements.  In some cases, topical steroid creams may be used.

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