WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT FOR A FACIAL RASH?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

1. The treatment of a facial rash is similar to the treatment of body rash, except the face has thinner skin and therefore requires more caution to be used, specifically-in most cases—only low dose cortisone lotions are usually used on the face. Hydrocortisone 2.5% lotion is sometimes used. The skin of the trunk of the body has thicker skin then the face area. Therefore, higher strength hydrocortisone can be used on the body if necessary.

2. If a facial rash is thought to be due to a chemical irritant, then a low strength topical corticosteroid cream or an oral coritosteroid (Prednisone) can be used. The strength of a topical corticosteroid cream or an oral corticosteroid depends on the severity of the rash and the exact location on the face.

- Mild cortisone. 2.5% Hydrocortisone up to twice a day for two weeks.

3. If a facial rash is thought to be due a virus such as herpes, then an oral or intravenous antiviral medication is used.

4. If a rash is thought to be due to a bacteria, then either a topical antibiotic or an oral antibiotic can be used.

5. If a rash is thought to be due to a fungus, then either a topical anti-fungal or an anti-fungal oral medication can be used.

6. An oral antihistamine can be added if there is a suspicion of an allergy.
- Zyrtec
- Allegra
- Benadryl
- Hydroxyzine

7. If Dry Skin is Suspected: Ointments or creams that contain Ceramide
- Eucerin Eczema Relief
- Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- (Petroleum Gel) Vaseline

CAUTION:

1. All medication, including all lotions, creams and ointments, have a risk of side effects.

2. When starting new creams and lotions always try the cream or lotion on a small skin area first.

3. Possible mild side effects are constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.

4. Possible severe side effects are a severe rash, or an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), or Clostridioides difficile infection (C-Diff), or an irregular electrical heart beat, leading to heart attack.

5. If an anti-viral medication is used for a herpes infection, a lower dose is needed for a person who has reduced kidney function.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A FACIAL RASH?

A rash on light skinned people appears a red toned patch or patches of skin. On darker skinned people a rash often times appears as purple, gray, or white patch or patches.

WHAT CAUSES A FACIAL RASH?

There are various reasons for facial rashes. A rash can be caused by an overgrowth of a fungus on the skin, a bacterial infection of the skin, a virus on the skin, an irritant that touched the skin, or an autoimmune disease. Some common diagnosis for facial rashes are Acne Rosacea, Common Acne, and Seborrheic Dermatitis. An uncommon cause is Cutaneous Lupus Eryhematous (which has a butterfly pattern around the eyes).

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO DIAGNOSE A RASH?

The diagnosis of a facial rash can be made with a careful history and visual assessment of the skin.