What Could Cause A Month-long Facial Rash Spreading From My Cheeks To My Forehead That Isn’t Improving With Metronidazole Gel?

Posted on Mon, 11 May 2020

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

Mon, 11 May 2020 Answered on

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Good afternoon,

I have had a rash on both of my cheeck bones for over one month now and its now spreading through to my forhead. i was prescribed Metronidazole Gel usp 1%25 but it doesnt seem to work. I need to know what could be causing it and how to remove it as quickley as possible please. I am currently on no other medication (except for vitamins)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly provide more information

Detailed Answer:

Hallo,

Welcome to 'Ask a Doctor' service. I have gone through your query and viewed the images.

I can see red patches with scaling on cheeks and forehead. Perhaps they are patches of seborrheic dermatitis or it could be a light induced eruption.

I would like to know if you have any symptoms like itching.

Hope to assist you further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seborrheic dermatitis seems the likely possibility

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Thank you for your follow up query.

I inquired if you have any associated itching. I feel this is seborrheic dermatitis which usually presents like this as itchy, red, scaly or flaky patches on face. The involvement of glabellar region is classical of facial seborrheic dermatitis.

I suggest you to use a moderately potent topical steroid cream e.g., either Fluticasone Propionate cream or Triamcinolone Acetonide cream, twice daily for a week or 10 days. These are prescription topical steroids. An OTC topical steroid cream e.g., Hydrocortisone cream would be worth trying first.

Take care. I hope this helps. Thank you.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (55 minutes later)

thank you for your diagnostician. could you please be more specific about what specific information do you need? I do live an active lifestyle and I am prone to different weather conditions due to my job throughout the day. I generally have dry skin around my throat and cheek area and I use non-scented lotion for that. other than aloe vera, what else can I use to treat this condition?