What Causes Red Blotches On The Face In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Mon, 8 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 8 May 2017 Answered on

Tue, 30 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My Mother is 77 and over the last few days has increasing red "blotches" on her face and neck. They started with one red oval on her neck, that itched slightly. Since then they have multiplied onto her face, forehead and eyelids. They do not appear to be on other areas of her body. She says that her skin feels "tight" and some of these red areas itch. We have reviewed all of her recent food intake and daily habits, but other than a new D3 Vitamin, everything seems the same (including shampoos, face cream, etc.).

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be photodermatitis or eczematous dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at HealthcareMagic
I have gone through your complaints as well as reviewed the attached photographs.
It seems to be either photodermatitis due to sun exposure or eczematous dermatitis.
If I was her treating doctor I would recommend her to apply a potent topical steroid like mometasone cream on the affected areas twice daily for 10-12 days along with antihistaminic like tablet cetrizine 10 mg once daily at bedtime.
Also ask her to apply a good moisturising cream containing white soft paraffin on the entire face and neck 3-4 times in a day.
Steroidal preparations are prescription drugs and she needs to see a doctor to get them.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana