What Are the Cures for a Face Rash?
Red bumps and dry itchy skin are symptoms that most people have experienced. When the face is involved, embarrassment is added to irritation. Treatment of a facial rash depends in part on the cause of the condition.
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Redness in Facial Lines
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From the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, if redness and itching is confined to these lines, the cause may be mites. Use alcohol or an antiseptic hand wash. Mites can be transmitted from people and animals, so have your vet examine Fido.
Heat Rash
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Common in babies, large pores and red or white bumps on the face can result from being overly warm. Don't overbundle. Cool compresses and aloe vera gel are soothing, but time is the cure.
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Drug Reactions
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If you are taking new prescription drugs and develop a rash, call your pharmacist to find out if it could be a reaction. Use of illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, often causes skin rash and frequently on the face.
Perioral Dermatitis
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This condition characteristically involves the midline of the face: center of the forehead, nose and chin. It is more prevalent in winter months, is bumpy, itchy and red, and can be triggered by adhesive products, flouride consumption and reactions to other skin medications. Try using:
Plain organic yogurt or kefir as a daily face mask.
Take probiotics frequently by mouth.
Apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons taken orally three times a day.
Apple cider vinegar applied to affected areas with a cotton ball, or
equal parts green tea and apple cider vinegar applied with a cotton ball.
Supplements of essential fatty acids (good fats) in the form of coconut oil and evening primrose oil have been used with good results.
Tetracycline may be prescribed by a doctor.
Food Allergy
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Eating wheat and dairy products all your life before a skin rash appears, does not rule out an allergy to these substances--intolerance, inflammation and immune reactions can build over time. A strict elimination diet is the best way to get answers. Gluten is a substance in wheat, barley and rye that can cause skin irritation and other problems. Since it is hidden in many products and processed foods, a careful whole foods diet is necessary to eliminate it completely. After several weeks, dairy may be slowly added back in to see if it is tolerated, but wheat sensitivity is a lifelong condition.
Rosacea
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There are three stages of rosacea. Initially, redness appears on the face, triggered by a cold or soap. The skin feels sunburned, stinging and tight. In the second stage the redness spreads, skin swells and fluid-filled blisters develop. Rarely, a third stage is reached when skin on the nose and ears thickens. There is currently no cure but effects can be minimized. Skin should be treated with TLC: washed in lukewarm water with oatmeal or green tea, patted dry with a soft towel and protected from sun exposure. Ginger or licorice can be taken as tea or supplements to reduce inflammation.
Warnings
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The use of hydrocortisone creams can suppress immune function and make perioral dermatitis and some other conditions worse.
If the rash extends across the cheeks and over the bridge of the nose, or if fever, muscle aches and joint pain are present, see a doctor to rule out lupus, a serious condition that affects women mostly.
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