Skin rashes are basically inflammation of the facial skin due to infections, allergies, heat, and even medications. Though our skin is resistant to a variety of assaults, it’s still vulnerable to various invaders like viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc. These rashes or eruptions are usually accompanied by red patches, blisters, itching, drying of skin, and a burning sensation, that affects the texture and appearance of the skin. The main problem with skin rashes on the face and neck is that they raise aesthetic concerns, as they can be easily seen. These rashes can be of different shapes, colors, and sizes. Some spots or blotches may appear red, pink, or brown, while others may be visible flat bumps. Some are itchy blisters, while others are just patches of rough skin that are temporary and easily treatable.
Causes
- Heat Rash: A heat rash is the most common type of rash on the face and neck, and normally occurs when the body is exposed to extremely hot or humid conditions. It is an itchy rash that may lead to excessive scratching, which can worsen the condition.
- Eczema: It’s a skin disorder which leads to skin inflammation and rash. Some of the causes for eczema may include reactions to allergens, over-exposure to environmental agents, or due to the genetic make up. Being a common symptom of an underlying illness (typically diabetes), eczema causes swelling and dry skin rash on the face and arms.
- Contact Dermatitis: It is another cause for skin rash on the face and chest or any other body part, and may result due to exposure to external allergens/irritants like pollens, animal hair, chemicals, foods, etc. When any part of the body comes in contact with that allergen, it responds negatively and erupts in itchy rashes or blisters.
- Hives: Also called urticaria, it is an allergic reaction to irritants, viral infection, insect bites, temperature fluctuations, etc., that causes red rash, patchy skin, itchiness, and a burning sensation.
- Herpes Zoster: Commonly known by terms like shingles and zona, it is a viral infection characterized by painful, itchy skin rash on the face and chest, and some limited area on one side of the body. Varicella zoster, a virus that causes chickenpox in children and young people, can also go on to cause shingles, that leads to itchy and burning skin rash on face in children, and even in adults.
- Rosacea: It is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder in adults, that causes redness and pimples on the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. It is similar in appearance to acne, and is cyclic, i.e., it tends to flare up periodically.
- Infantile Acne: It is a common infant rash which is also called normal newborn rash. A newborn may have an acne eruption on the nose or cheeks on the second or third day of the birth. It mainly occurs due to some hormonal changes during the development of the fetus, but clears up in a matter of weeks without treatment.
Treatment
Most rashes are not dangerous and get cured on their own. However, if a person experiences symptoms like itchy or dry skin, burning sensation, etc., he/she can opt for over-the-counter medications like anti-itch creams containing camphor, menthol, pramoxine (Itch-X), or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), antihistamines like diphenhydramine, chlortrimeton, or loratadine (Claritin, Claritin RediTabs, Alavert), and even some moisturizing lotions.
Eliminating the consumption of different chemicals, alcohol, tobacco, and processed or junk food from your daily diet will surely help to reduce the risks of skin rashes on the face. Keeping your skin clean and away from pollutants or allergens, will also be helpful. However, if the above mentioned remedies don’t work and the rashes persist or become more widespread, it is recommended to consult a general physician or dermatologist for the necessary treatment.
