What Are the Most Common Causes of Facial Rashes?

Common causes of facial rashes include environmental factors; hormones; and exposure to certain chemicals, medicines, or foods. In some cases, the redness can also be caused by a chronic or acute health condition, such as psoriasis, lupus, or shingles. Stress can also play a role in the development of facial rashes or aggravate the intensity of a rash in people who suffer from conditions such as rosacea or hives. Those who suffer from facial rashes should seek a diagnosis from a medical professional, as some facial rashes will not go away on their own and may be symptoms of a serious medical condition.

The skin on the face is delicate and, because it is almost constantly exposed, can easily be affected by temperature changes, sun and wind exposure, and the use of cosmetics. Contact dermatitis is a condition in which the skin develops a rash in response to contact with various types of irritants. Many people find that they are sensitive to ingredients in skin care products, for example, and find that their facial inflammation dissipates after they stop using the products to which they are allergic. Sun exposure can also contribute to sunburn, a common cause of facial redness, but it may also make some inflammatory skin conditions, such as rosacea, worse.

In some cases, a person may have a skin condition that manifests as a facial rash. The cause of rosacea isn’t well understood, but its facial rashes can be triggered by the use of harsh skin care products, exercise, and exposure to extreme temperatures. Many individuals with rosacea also claim that stress and the consumption of certain foods, such as avocados, chocolate, or chili peppers, increases the risk and intensity of flare-ups. Other conditions, such as acne or seborrheic dermatitis, also cause facial rashes and are generally regarded as hormonal conditions, although acne can be aggravated by the use of irritating skin care products.

In some cases, a facial rash may indicate the presence of infection or disease. Chicken pox, measles, and shingles can all cause facial rashes that can be quite painful. Individuals who suffer from lupus, an autoimmune disease, sometimes develop a characteristic butterfly-shaped rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks. While there are often ways that these rashes can be treated to minimize their appearance and any accompanying discomfort, it may also be necessary to provide treatment for the medical conditions that cause them.