What Do Itchy And Hot Facial Rashes Indicate?

Posted on Sun, 17 Sep 2017

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

Sun, 17 Sep 2017 Answered on

Mon, 9 Oct 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Yes, your answer was helpful and I was able to feel better after 3/5 days.
I now have another issue, I recently went to Scotland and while there my face broke out in a very red itchy hot rash… I assumed it was from detergent you use to clean towels and sheets but after returning home on September 6 though it gets better during the day there are times when it is still very red itchy and hot like in the photo attached. Do you have any recommendations? I have used and it's cream, lotion and I have been taking Benadryl but nothing seems to completely get rid of it only soothe it for a bit of time. I have attached a photo for reference. thank you for your assistance.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Use a topical steroid cream

Detailed Answer:
Hello. thank you for writing to us.

I am Dr. Kakkar (Dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have viewed the images.
I can see diffuse redness on both the malar prominences. It seems like a photoallergic dermatitis. Sun definitely seems to have played a role.
I suggest you to protect your skin from sun as much as possible.. Use a mild topical steroid cream e.g cortisone cream(1‰ hydrocortisone), twice daily on the affected area..Cortisone cream is available over the counter(OTC). In addition you may take an oral antihistamine e g tab. cetrizine 10mg once daily for symptomatic relief from itching. Cetrizine is also available OTC

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

I really haven't been in the sun .... I thought it was getting better and really wasn't too bad except in the morning when I would get up and wash my dash using the same thing I have always used for many years. Today it did flare back up and has been very red , itchy and hot all day. Is there any other treatment I should consider ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Moisturizer and topical steroid cream

Detailed Answer:
Thank you.

Since it is red and itchy therefore i suggest you to use a moisturizer, twice daily. In addition a mild topical steroid e g cortisone cream (1‰ hydrocortisone) would greatly help in reducing redness and itching along with oral cetrizine tab. once a day.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 hours later)

Thank you for your response. I will certainly try what you have recommended. How long before I see an improvement or clearing up ? This started 2 weeks ago and had clearing or calming aa I was at times taking an antihistamine and using Cortaid ( but stopped due to the dryness) .... following your instruction when can I expect this to go away completely?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A week to 10 days

Detailed Answer:
thank you.

Cortaid cream is the same as cortisone cream. Both of these contains. 1% hydrocortisone. You may use either of these creams, twice daily, for a week or 10 days. Also use a moisturizer, 2-3 times a day. In addition Tab. Cetrizine would also help relieve itching. Take it once daily. I think a week or 10 days of regular treatment would be enough

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

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