Have Had Burning, Itchy Sensation And Red Face. Taken Medicine. Did Allergy Tests. Any Cure?

Posted on Tue, 30 Apr 2013

Question: I have had this burning, itchy, sometimes red face for well into two years now. This is very painful at times and very annoying itchy and burning everyday. I cant remember when it has not bothered me. I have had allergy testing(which I had many allergic reactions too) however no pinpoint on what causing it. creams lotions both OTC and prescribed have not cleared this. HELP!!!! VERY PAINFUL AND ANNOYING

Answered by Dr. Prasad Akole (3 hours later)

Dear friend, welcome and thanks for entrusting your query here at Healthcaremagic!
I am Dr. Prasad Akole (Critical Care Expert- http://bit.ly/Dr-Prasad-Akole) and am glad to address to your query here.

Neuropathic/ neuralgic pain/ can sometimes present like this.
Allergy usually does not occur like this and anti-allergics are not working here.
It may be just a co-existing problem.

Could you describe the symptoms in greater details?

Is there periodic red flushing/ blushing of the face?
What is the exact area affected on the face?
Is there excess sweating during the episodes?
Is there dull burning or electric shooting pain?
Can you further characterize the pain?
Is there any eye/ vision problem?
Is there anything else that you feel is abnormal?
Are you on any XXXXXXX medicines?

It would greatly help if you could upload a photo during the red face episode here using the uploading service available on this site just below the text box. You can email the reports / images to
YYYY@YYYY
with subject- (Attn: Dr. Prasad Akole)

Sometimes rare causes like sympathetic nerve overactivity or pathology can cause such phenomena.

I would be glad to answer any further queries.
Take care and please keep me informed of your progress at http://bit.ly/Dr-Prasad-Akole
Good Luck! Thank you!!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prasad Akole (3 days later)

Is there periodic red flushing/ blushing of the face? YES
What is the exact area affected on the face? CHEEKS, FOREHEAD, UNDER LOWER LIP, EYE LIDS.
Is there excess sweating during the episodes? NO, VERY DRY SKIN, IF MY EYES TEAR THE TEARS MAKE SKIN BURN.
Is there dull burning or electric shooting pain? DULL BURNING AND ITCH
Can you further characterize the pain? BURN LIKE SUNBURN OR COAL TAR PITCH BURN AND ITCH.
Is there any eye/ vision problem? TEARING OF THE EYES NOT LIKE ALLERGY JUST TEARS.
Is there anything else that you feel is abnormal? SKIN IS VERY VERY DRY FLAKY
Are you on any XXXXXXX medicines? NO

I WILL BE ABLE TO SEND PICTURE TOMORROW AS IT WILL BE HARD TO SEE NOW. i HAVE NOT SHAVED IN A WEEK BECAUSE OF SENSITIVITY. WILL SEND PICTURE TOMORROW.

Answered by Dr. Prasad Akole (39 hours later)

Thanks for the reply.
Will wait to see the photo.
Have you been seen by a skin specialist?
Is it sensitive to sunlight? Photosensitivity?
Is such a skin change present elsewhere in the body?
Do you have a runny nose, frequent sneezing?

Ecthyosis, dermatitis/ eczema, autonomic neuropathy are possibilities.

Is there anything that aggravates the problem?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prasad Akole (3 hours later)

Have you been seen by a skin specialist? YES, SUSPECTED ROSCEA BUT IT SHOULD HAVE CLEARED SOME WITH MEDS HE GAVE. MOST MEDS HE GAVE IRRITATED IT WORSE. HE IS 3 HRS AWAY SO CANT AFFORD TO KEEP GOING BACK.
Is it sensitive to sunlight? YES
Is such a skin change present elsewhere in the body? VERY DRY SKIN ITCH AT TIMES BUT NO BURNING AND PAIN.
Do you have a runny nose, frequent sneezing? NO

Is there anything that aggravates the problem? DUST AT WORK, AND HOUSE DUSTS.

Answered by Dr. Prasad Akole (4 hours later)

OK.
I will wait for a photo.
I think it could be some dermatitis.

Allergy is possible. sometimes connective tissue disorders may have such picture. Vitamin deficiencies need to be ruled out.
You need detailed evaluation.

I would suggest you get detailed physical and lab evaluation done anyway.
You mentioned you are not on any medicines to be taken internally by mouth.

I may be more specific once I receive any image from you.

I hope to have answered your query satisfactorily. I would be glad to answer any further queries. Take care and please keep me informed of your progress at http://bit.ly/Dr-Prasad-Akole
Good Luck!
It helps us to improve continuously if you could please write a rating review before you ‘accept’ and ‘close’ the query.
Thank you!!

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar