Do you have sudden or chronic red skin on your face, neck or scalp that has you hiding from cameras or avoiding social functions altogether? Would you like to get to the bottom of the cause so you can start working on an appropriate solution? Read on for some possible reasons and treatments for facial redness.
Allergic Reactions
Contact dermatitis occurs when something you are allergic to comes into contact with your skin, causing redness, irritation, itching, and other allergic reactions. Irritants can be common household items like detergents and fragrances, or environmental elements such as poison ivy. Even if you haven’t previously experienced allergies, adult onset allergies could be causing a sudden reaction.
Usually, symptoms of dermatitis begin to subside on their own once you’re no longer in contact with the irritant. As soon as you notice signs of an allergic reaction, consider your surroundings to determine the source. Once you’ve identified the irritant, take care to avoid further contact. If your symptoms do not improve after ceasing contact, or if you can’t identify a specific irritant that’s causing persistent reactions, contact a dermatologist for help.
Reaction to Medication
Among the laundry list of side effects and warnings on any given medication, you might see a specific note to avoid direct sunlight. That’s because certain medications — particularly antibiotics — can cause a rash when the user spends time in the sun while taking the prescription. Other medications, such as steroid creams, can cause a reaction with continued use beyond the recommended dosage.
In both instances — whether taking an oral prescription or using a topical one — be sure to adhere to the prescribed usage. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist after you’ve stopped using the prescription or reduced your exposure to sunlight.
Autoimmune Disorder
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects about 1.5 million Americans. To put it simply, lupus causes a person’s immune system to attack parts of their own body as though they were foreign and dangerous elements. Some lupus sufferers develop a butterfly-shaped rash on their face or redness and swelling of the skin. While there is not currently a cure for lupus, a dermatologist can help treat facial redness caused by the disease and work with other providers treating your specific case.
Psoriasis
Another disorder that currently has no definitive cure, psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells develop too quickly, building up faster than existing skin cells can die and flake away. This causes raised patches of dry, scaly skin which are often more unsightly than they are uncomfortable. Though incurable, there are different types of psoriasis that can be treated in various ways by a board-certified dermatologist. Consult your doctor to find out what type of psoriasis you may have and what your treatment options are.
If you’re suffering from unsightly and/or uncomfortable facial redness that is affecting your quality of life, call our caring Derick Dermatology professionals in Arlington Heights, Barrington, Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Crystal Lake, Elgin, Libertyville, Lindenhurst, McHenry, Park Ridge, Naperville, and soon in Oak Brook.
