Itchy Rash on Face

An itchy rash on face can be an annoyance as well as a source of embarrassment. Individuals who suffer from the problem describe it as a mix of crawling, burning and prickly sensations beneath the skin.  It can be persistent or intermittent, but is generally mild. The itchy rash develops on the surface of the skin as the body reacts to something that irritates the nerves underneath the skin, whether it is cosmetics, new dress or jewelry. It could also be the result of an underlying medical condition, systemic disease or food allergy. The rash can be accompanied by bumps which may sometimes ooze discharges.

Treatment options for itchy rash on face aim to help in reducing or stopping the problem. They hope to improve the social well-being of the patient as well as prevent further complications from happening for cases in which an underlying systemic disorder is involved. Persistent, itchy facial rash that is continually spreading and comes with other unpleasant symptoms should be checked by the doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of itchy rash on face

Some facial rashes itch because the itch receptors underneath the skin are irritated. The irritation could be attributed to poor hygiene, sudden drop in temperature, allergies, skin infections and diseases, as well as systemic disorders.

  • Poor hygiene

Dust and dirt can penetrate deep into the skin and irritate it, causing the skin to become itchy.

  • Quick drop in temperature

The skin becomes excessively dry during cold weather, like in the winter months. Staying in air-conditioned rooms for long periods of time can also cause skin dryness which can lead to the development of itchy facial rash.

  • Allergies

Itchy rash on face could be due to allergies brought about by environmental irritants like pollen, dust, animal dander, some foods or medications, and some skin diseases like acne, heat rash, hives, contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.

  • Skin infections

Itchy rash could likewise be a manifestation of infected skin or hair follicles by microbes, bacteria or viruses. Among these skin infections that cause itchy facial rash include tinea barbae, dengue fever, shingles, herpes simplex as well as viral and bacterial infections.

  • Systemic disorders

SLE or systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic disease notorious for causing itchy butterfly rashes on the face. Rash on the face can also be a symptom of rheumatic diseases such as temporal arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and polyarteritis nodosa. Furthermore, it could also be caused by dermatomyositis.

Appearance 

The appearance of the rash on the face largely depends on its underlying cause. Aside from feeling itchy, the rash may also look swollen, red and slightly elevated. Bumps may also develop from which pus may leach. Such cases require evaluation by a qualified doctor to properly diagnose and treat the problem.

Treating itchy rash on face

Itchy facial rash can be dealt with at home with oral antihistamines and topical corticosteroids. Simple self-care methods, such as good personal hygiene by cleaning the face with mild soap, moisturizing the skin and protecting it from the harmful rays of the sun, could be all that is needed to address the itchiness. If the itchy rash on face persists, it is best to see the doctor to determine if there is any underlying skin disease or systemic disorder that is causing the rash.

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