What causes red spots on face. How to reduce facial redness naturally. Which treatments are most effective for face redness. When should you see a doctor about facial redness. What lifestyle changes can help minimize red spots on face.

Understanding the Root Causes of Facial Redness

Facial redness is a common skin concern that affects millions of people worldwide. To effectively address this issue, it’s crucial to identify the underlying causes. Let’s explore some of the primary factors contributing to red spots and overall facial redness:

Rosacea: A Common Culprit

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that often manifests as facial redness, particularly in the central portion of the face. How does rosacea present itself? Typical symptoms include:

• Persistent facial flushing
• Small red pimples or bumps
• Visible blood vessels on the face
• Enlarged, red nose (rhinophyma)
• Eye irritation and inflammation

While the exact cause of rosacea remains unknown, several factors can trigger flare-ups, including abnormal blood vessel reactions, bacteria, improper skincare routines, sun exposure, and certain lifestyle habits.

Acne-Induced Redness

Acne, affecting approximately 50 million Americans annually, is another significant contributor to facial redness. Why does acne cause red spots? The process begins when pores become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This blockage leads to inflammation, resulting in red, swollen blemishes.

Hormonal fluctuations often play a key role in acne development, stimulating increased sebum production. This excess oil can trap debris and bacteria, leading to painful, red pimples.

Seborrheic Dermatitis: Beyond Dandruff

Seborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as seborrhea, manifests as red, flaky patches on the skin. While it’s often associated with scalp dandruff, this condition can affect various body parts, including the face. Who is most susceptible to seborrheic dermatitis? It typically affects:

• Newborns
• Adults between 30-60 years old
• Men more frequently than women
• Individuals with oily skin

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis remains unclear, but factors such as yeast overgrowth, stress, and changes in hormone levels may contribute to its development.

Effective Strategies to Reduce Facial Redness

Now that we’ve explored the common causes of facial redness, let’s delve into practical solutions to alleviate this concern. How can you effectively reduce redness on your face?

Gentle Skincare Routine

Implementing a gentle skincare routine is crucial for managing facial redness. What should this routine include?

1. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser twice daily
2. Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep skin hydrated
3. Incorporate products with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or green tea
4. Always remove makeup before bed to prevent irritation

Sun Protection: A Non-Negotiable Step

Sun exposure can exacerbate facial redness, making sun protection essential. How can you shield your skin effectively?

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors
• Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses
• Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 am – 4 pm)

Dietary Adjustments

Your diet can significantly impact skin health and facial redness. Which dietary changes can help reduce redness?

• Increase intake of anti-inflammatory foods (e.g., fatty fish, berries, leafy greens)
• Limit consumption of spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Consider supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics after consulting with a healthcare provider

Topical Treatments for Facial Redness

Various topical treatments can effectively target facial redness. Which options should you consider?

Over-the-Counter Solutions

Several OTC products can help alleviate facial redness:

• Hydrocortisone cream: Provides temporary relief for mild inflammation
• Azelaic acid: Helps reduce redness associated with rosacea and acne
• Niacinamide: Improves skin barrier function and reduces inflammation
• Green-tinted primers or concealers: Neutralize red tones for immediate visual improvement

Prescription Medications

For more persistent or severe facial redness, prescription treatments may be necessary. What options might a dermatologist recommend?

• Topical antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole) for rosacea
• Retinoids for acne-related redness
• Topical immunomodulators for seborrheic dermatitis
• Brimonidine gel for temporary reduction of rosacea-related redness

Advanced Treatments for Stubborn Facial Redness

When topical treatments aren’t sufficient, advanced options may be considered. What are some effective in-office procedures for facial redness?

Laser and Light Therapies

Various light-based treatments can target facial redness:

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Reduces redness and improves skin tone
• Pulsed Dye Laser: Targets visible blood vessels and reduces overall redness
• LED Light Therapy: Promotes healing and reduces inflammation

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can improve skin texture and reduce redness. How do they work? These treatments involve applying a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin, promoting cell turnover and reducing inflammation.

Lifestyle Modifications to Minimize Facial Redness

In addition to skincare and medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact facial redness. What modifications should you consider?

Stress Management

Chronic stress can exacerbate skin conditions and contribute to facial redness. How can you effectively manage stress?

• Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Prioritize quality sleep
• Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or counseling if needed

Environmental Considerations

Your environment can significantly impact facial redness. Which factors should you be mindful of?

• Avoid extreme temperature changes
• Use a humidifier in dry climates to maintain skin hydration
• Protect your skin from harsh winds and cold temperatures
• Be cautious with hot showers and baths, as they can exacerbate redness

When to Seek Professional Help for Facial Redness

While many cases of facial redness can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional attention. When should you consult a dermatologist?

• Persistent redness that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments
• Redness accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or fever
• Sudden onset of widespread facial redness
• Redness that significantly impacts your quality of life or self-esteem

A dermatologist can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend targeted treatments for your specific condition.

Natural Remedies for Soothing Facial Redness

For those preferring natural approaches, several home remedies can help alleviate facial redness. Which natural solutions are worth trying?

Cooling Compresses

Applying a cool compress can provide immediate relief from facial redness. How should you use this method?

1. Soak a clean cloth in cool water
2. Gently apply the compress to affected areas for 10-15 minutes
3. Repeat 2-3 times daily as needed

Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce facial redness. Which herbs show promise?

• Chamomile: Apply cooled chamomile tea as a compress
• Aloe vera: Use pure aloe vera gel directly on the skin
• Licorice root: Look for skincare products containing licorice extract
• Feverfew: Consider topical products with feverfew extract

Remember to patch test any new remedy before applying it to your entire face to avoid potential allergic reactions.

Long-Term Strategies for Managing Facial Redness

Effectively managing facial redness often requires a long-term approach. What strategies can help maintain clear, calm skin over time?

Consistent Skincare Routine

Establishing and maintaining a consistent skincare routine is crucial for managing facial redness. What should this routine include?

• Gentle cleansing morning and night
• Regular exfoliation (1-2 times per week for sensitive skin)
• Daily application of targeted treatments (e.g., redness-reducing serums)
• Consistent use of a non-irritating moisturizer
• Diligent sun protection

Regular Check-ups

Scheduling regular appointments with a dermatologist can help you stay on top of your skin health. How often should you visit a dermatologist? For most people with chronic facial redness, annual check-ups are sufficient. However, more frequent visits may be necessary if you’re actively treating a specific condition.

Trigger Identification and Avoidance

Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is key to long-term management of facial redness. How can you pinpoint your triggers?

1. Keep a detailed skin diary, noting daily activities, diet, and skincare products used
2. Document when flare-ups occur and potential contributing factors
3. Gradually eliminate suspected triggers to confirm their impact
4. Work with a dermatologist to interpret your findings and develop a personalized management plan

By implementing these long-term strategies, you can significantly improve your skin’s health and appearance, reducing the occurrence and severity of facial redness over time.

Face Redness: 11 Ways to Get Rid of Red Spots on Face

Many people struggle with red, swollen skin. Facial redness can be caused by a host of conditions, including sun damage, rosacea, seborrhea, and acne. If you’ve been dealing with rough, red skin and want to alleviate this sometimes painful condition, it’s important to learn what might be causing your facial redness.

In order to treat your facial redness, it’s important to examine the causes behind it.

Facial redness causes run the gamut, ranging from serious diseases like lupus to mild cases of eczema. Take a look at eight of the most common factors behind facial redness and discover ways you can both treat redness instantly, and better maintain a radiant, smooth complexion.

• Why Is My Face Red?
• How to Reduce Redness on Face
• 5 Ways You Could Be Making Facial Redness Worse
• How to Get Rid of Face Redness Quickly
• When to See a Doctor to Address Face Redness
• Restore a Calm Complexion & Feel Confident in Your Skin

Why Is My Face Red?

Waking up with a red face is undoubtedly alarming and leaves you wondering what could have possibly caused it. Face redness will look different for everyone. Some people will have spidery blood vessels scattered around their face. Other people will have flushed skin on their cheeks. But in order to get rid of those pesky red spots on your face, you need to identify the root cause of them.

There are a myriad of factors and conditions that can cause your face to appear red or blotchy, which we’ll get into below.

1. Rosacea

One of the most common reasons for a red complexion is rosacea. This is a common, incurable, chronic skin condition that can mimic adult acne. This condition typically affects the central portion of the face, particularly the nose.

The symptoms of rosacea can include:

• Facial redness
• Small red pimples
• Find red vascular lines on the face
• An enlarged red nose with bulbous qualities
• Eye issues, which may include red, swollen eyelids, conjunctivitis, and cornea inflammation

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, rosacea could be to blame. This common skin condition affects at least 14 million people in the United States, and tends to be more prevalent among Caucasian people with fair skin.

For many, rosacea goes undiagnosed for years. Many mistakenly believe their rosacea flare-ups are just a sign of sensitive or flushed skin, but that’s simply because this auto-inflammatory condition can ebb and flow. Unlike acne, rosacea isn’t outgrown but there are treatment options and products like rosacea face cream that can reduce redness and lessen its symptoms.

What causes rosacea?

While the exact cause of this skin condition is still unknown, rosacea can flare up for a variety of reasons, including abnormal reaction of blood vessels, bacteria, improper use of facial products, sun exposure, and lifestyle triggers, like alcohol abuse and poor diet habits.

2. Acne

Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, and affects approximately 50 million Americans annually. This sometimes painful skin condition often begins in adolescence, when young men and women begin puberty; while many see their acne woes disappear after reaching adulthood, many deal with adult breakouts resulting in facial redness and painful, swollen blemishes.

What Causes Acne?

Acne forms when the tiny pores on the surface of your skin become plugged with oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and debris. Each of your pores opens up to a follicle beneath the top layer of your skin; each of these follicles contains a single hair and a sebaceous gland. The latter is responsible for producing sebum, a waxy substance that keeps your skin soft and supple.

When hormonal fluctuations occur, this gland pumps out an excess of sebum. This oily substance can pick up dead skin cells and bacteria on its way out of the pore, creating a plug. When the plug presses against your skin, your body sends red and white blood cells to fight infection. The result? A painful pimple that may be surrounded by facial redness that’s sensitive to the touch.

3. Seborrhea

Seborrhea, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects millions of Americans each year. Typically, it presents as flaky, red patches. These patches may or may not be itchy, and when this condition is found on the scalp, it can be called dandruff. Most often, you’ll spot these patches on your chest, around your belly button, on the buttocks, in skin folds under your arms or behind your knees, and within the est, around your belly button, on the buttocks, in skin folds under your arms or behind your knees, and within the groin.

Newborns and adults ages 30 to 60 are most likely to struggle with seborrheic dermatitis, but it tends to be more common in men and those with oily skin.

What Causes Seborrhea?

Health care experts aren’t sure exactly what causes seborrhea, but typical culprits include:

• Excess stress
• Genetic predisposition
• A yeast that thrives on the skin
• Medical conditions
• Cold, dry weather conditions

4. Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause damage to virtually every part of the body, including organs, joints, and the skin. This condition is relatively rare; there are 16,000 new cases reported in the United States each year. It’s most commonly seen in women, but men, children, and teenagers can develop this condition as well.

 

What Causes Lupus?

Many researchers believe that lupus develops as a result of a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, and environmental factors. There are more than 50 genes associated with lupus, but none of those have been proven to be a direct link. When it comes to environmental factors, researchers are split. Most believe a virus or chemical can trigger the disease, but other examples of potential triggers include UV rays, infections, colds, exhaustion, and emotional stress.

5. Eczema

If your facial redness consists of dry, scaly patches and itchy, cracked skin, you may have eczema. This common, chronic skin condition appears first as dry red and brown patches in skin folds—often inside of elbows, behind the knees, on the underarms—or on the face, neck, hands or feet.

Eczema is truly an umbrella term; it can be used to describe many rash-like skin conditions, or may be used in reference to atopic dermatitis, a skin condition most common amongst infants and young children. Over 10% of Americans have some form of eczema.

What Causes Eczema?

Researchers have been unable to pinpoint a direct cause of eczema, but believe that it develops due to a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. Some of these factors include certain irritants found in soap, detergent, shampoo, and juices. Environmental factors may also include certain foods (especially dairy products) and extreme temperatures. Like acne, hormonal fluctuations can also cause eczema flare-ups and excess facial redness.

6. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, itchy patches on the skin. This condition is quite common—approximately 7.5 million people in the United States suffer from psoriasis.

Psoriasis looks different for everyone, but some common symptoms include dry, cracked skin, red patches, and itching and burning. Psoriasis mostly appears on the lower back, elbows, knees, and legs, but it’s possible to get these red patches on your face as well. Certain things can trigger psoriasis, like cold weather, stress, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption. There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are various treatments available to manage symptoms

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis causes your skin to regenerate at a quicker pace than normal, resulting in these red patches on your skin. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors are thought to play a role. Anyone can develop psoriasis, but certain factors can increase your risk, such as family history, stress, and smoking.

7. Shingles

Shingles is a condition that causes a painful, blistering rash. This rash can appear anywhere on your body, from your torso to your face. Symptoms of shingles include pain, burning, sensitivity to touch, a red rash, and fluid filled blisters. You may also experience a fever and headache.

What Causes Shingles?

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you’ve had chickenpox, this virus stays inactive in your nerve tissue, but it can reactivate as shingles. Shingles is often triggered by a weakened immune system. The best way to reduce your risk of developing shingles is with a vaccine.

8. Allergic Reaction

An allergic reaction, also known as contact dermatitis, is another possible cause of face redness. An allergic reaction is a red, itchy rash that develops when your skin comes in contact with something that you’re allergic to. Contact dermatitis isn’t life threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable. It’s a very common condition—approximately 1 in 5 people experience allergic contact dermatitis.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include a red rash, itching, dry, cracked skin, bumps, and blisters. Symptoms can develop within minutes to hours of being exposed to the irritant.

What Causes an Allergic Reaction?

An allergic reaction is caused when you’re exposed to a substance that irritates your skin. There are two different types of contact dermatitis: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common type and occurs when a substance damages your skin’s protective layer. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when you come in contact with a substance you’re allergic to and it triggers an immune reaction on your skin.

How to Reduce Redness on Face

Once you’ve identified the root cause of the red patches on your face, then you can find the proper treatment for it. You can treat face redness with various at-home remedies but it’s always a good idea to see a doctor so you can be sure it’s not something more serious.

Here are some ways to reduce red blotches on your face:

Rosacea: Treatment and Prevention

You can’t prevent rosacea, but you can commit to avoiding certain triggers. If you believe your facial redness is caused by rosacea, avoid eating spicy foods, smoking, and wear only high-quality SPF cosmetics that offer sun blocking protection without clogging pores.

Acne: Treatment and Prevention

If you’re struggling with acne, it’s important to follow a daily skin care regimen using products that are gentle on the skin. With facial redness, it’s especially important to avoid abrasive products, in terms of cleansers and cosmetics. Gently dab your face and avoid harsh scrubbing to prevent further irritation.

Seborrhea: Treatment and Prevention

Seborrhea is typically a lifetime condition that can be controlled with the right habits. However, if your seborrhea is caused by an underlying medical problem, treatment of the issue may clear up your facial redness and dryness.

Rest and exercise can help to reduce stress, which in turn reduces the likelihood of seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups. Wash every day with a gentle cleanser, and consider using medicated shampoos and sulfur products to control this condition.

Lupus: Treatment and Prevention

Lupus isn’t preventable, but early diagnosis can help manage this disease. If you believe you have lupus, it’s important to see a rheumatologist, who can treat the condition through a variety of medications.

Eczema: Treatment and Prevention

There is no cure for eczema, but there are ways to reduce the appearance and frequency of these flare-ups. There are certain creams and ointments that doctors can prescribe for more severe cases of eczema, but there are some easy DIY ways to combat the facial redness and itching associated with this skin condition.

Try one of these home remedies to treat your eczema:

• Take a lukewarm bath
• Apply moisturizer regularly
• Wear breathable fabrics
• Pat skin dry instead of rubbing
• Avoid triggering factors

You can check out the National Eczema Association for more information on how to go about treating eczema and other types of dermatitis.

Psoriasis: Treatment and Prevention

While there is no exact cure for psoriasis, the goal of psoriasis treatment is to stop the skin cells from regenerating so quickly. You can do this with topical therapy, light therapy, or oral and injected medication. The treatment method you should use depends on the severity of your psoriasis.

You can also do various things to prevent psoriasis flare-ups, such as avoiding cold weather, taking good care of your skin by moisturizing regularly, reducing stress, and using a humidifier.

Shingles: Treatment and Prevention

There is no treatment for shingles, but there are ways to expedite the healing process to reduce the risk of further complications. You can do this by taking medication or getting an injection that contains corticosteroids and local anesthetics.

Shingles can be very painful and detrimental to your health if not treated. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, if you have shingles on your face that go untreated, it can cause permanent eye damage. Taking an antiviral medication can save your eyesight and prevent long-term nerve pain.

Allergic Reaction: Treatment and Prevention

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the substance that you’re allergic to. This isn’t always easy, so if you can’t avoid the allergen entirely, try to reduce your exposure to it as much as possible. It’s also important to take your allergy medication as prescribed if you do find yourself having a reaction. If you have a severe allergy, make sure you keep your epinephrine auto-injector on you at all times.

5 Ways You Could Be Making Facial Redness Worse

Facial redness can affect anyone at any age, but there are certain triggers that can contribute to red skin. Make sure you’re not unwittingly adding flame to the fire. Here are five things that can make your facial redness worse:

1. Stress: We’ve long been told that stress affects our health in a variety of ways, so it should come as no surprise that excess stress can make facial redness worse. To prevent stress-induced redness, practice meditation, exercise regularly, and be sure you’re getting the adequate amount of rest.
2. Sun Exposure: We all know spending too much time in the sun can cause a sunburn, but any type of sun exposure can make facial redness worse. The UV rays from the sun trigger your blood vessels to grow; the only way to reduce this is through laser treatment. Be sure you’re applying sunscreen every time you head outside. Our sunscreen stick is easy to take on the go.
3. Alcohol: Alcohol causes inflammation throughout your body, and this inflammation is easy to spot on your skin. Excess alcohol causes the small blood vessels in your skin to widen, allowing more blood to flow close to the surface of your skin. This can lead to flush, which may cause capillaries to break. Drink in moderation to avoid these harmful effects.
4. Poor Quality Cosmetics: Using poor-quality cosmetics with harmful ingredients can irritate the skin, resulting in itchy redness. Always select high-quality products, like this face cream for redness, that both treat your skin while providing the look you want. Browse Colorescience for products that offer SPF protection and a flawless finish.
5. Spicy Foods: If you’re struggling with rosacea or another form of facial redness, leave the spicy foods alone. In a recent study, it was found that spicy foods can trigger rosacea signs and symptoms. It turns out spicy foods can dilate blood vessels in the skin, increasing the appearance of facial redness.

If you’re looking for a facial redness treatment, first consider the causes behind your skin irritation. Finding the root of the problem helps you discover the best solution, so talk to your health care provider and try some of the above remedies for facial redness.

How to Get Rid of Face Redness Quickly

If you wake up the morning of a big event with a beet red face, don’t panic. There are many ways to get rid of face redness quickly that don’t require a trip to the dermatologist’s office. Some things to try are:

• Makeup: Foundation and concealer are easy to apply and reduce the visibility of your redness instantly.
• Soothing masks: You can use a face mask with soothing ingredients that reduce redness and inflammation. Ingredients like chamomile, aloe, and cucumber are great at reducing face redness.
• Switch up your products: If you’re suddenly experiencing red spots on your face, it could be because of a certain skin product you’re using. If you think this is the case, stop using all your skin products, go back to the basics, and see how your skin reacts.

When to See a Doctor to Address Face Redness

While you may be able to treat your face redness with home remedies, you may want to consider seeing a doctor to have your condition checked out and diagnosed. You should see a doctor if:

• Redness continues for extended periods of time
• You experience burning and irritation around your eyes
• You’re having a flare-up

A doctor may also be able to administer treatments that you couldn’t do yourself, such as laser treatment and allergy testing. Overall, you’re always better off safe than sorry, so if facial redness persists, it can’t hurt to see a doctor to have it checked out. The sooner you talk to a professional, the quicker you can get redness under control with the right treatment.

Restore a Calm Complexion & Feel Confident in Your Skin

Waking up in the morning to a red face can definitely put a damper on your confidence. But fortunately, there are many ways you can go about treating facial redness so that you can feel confident in your skin once again. Whether that’s with at-home remedies or with the help of a dermatologist, there’s a treatment out there for your case of facial redness.

If you’re looking for high-quality skin products that can help with rosacea and redness, look no further than Colorescience. We offer a special skin care regimen that’s designed specifically to address face redness. With the right treatment in your arsenal, you won’t ever have to cancel plans because you woke up with red skin. Find the right solution today!

Causes of Redness on Skin

Written by Shishira Sreenivas

• Redness on the Face
• Redness on Your Hands and Arms
• Redness on Feet and Legs
• Darker Skin Tones
• How to Treat

Lots of things can turn your skin red, including acne, an allergic reaction, or a severe skin disorder.

Sometimes the redness goes away on its own. But you may need treatment if your symptoms are bothersome and affect your day-to-day life. Here are some of the most common causes of redness.

Rosacea. You may have this condition if your face often looks flushed or like you’re blushing. There are different types of rosacea. Yours may come and go, but if it takes too long or doesn’t go away, you may have the more severe kind.

Eczema. This is a group of skin conditions that can cause redness and itching. The area might also look scaly or like a rash. Eczema can show up on different parts of your body, including the face. Symptoms are different for everyone. Researchers aren’t sure what causes it, but they think your genes and the environment play a role.

Psoriasis. It usually takes your body weeks to make new skin cells to replace dead ones. But the process moves a lot faster when you have psoriasis. This can lead to red, dry, and scaly patches. When you have a flare-up, it can show up on different parts of your body.

Shingles. This infection is caused by the varicella zoster virus. That’s the same one that gives you chickenpox. It typically shows up as a red, blistering, painful rash. Call your doctor right away if you notice rashes around one eye, the side of your neck or face, or your upper body.

Lupus. It’s an autoimmune disease. That’s when your body, or immune system, attacks itself. It can cause redness and swelling. Some people with lupus form a butterfly-shaped rash on their forehead.

Atopic dermatitis. It’s a type of eczema that causes dry, itchy, and red skin. It often shows up on your hands, feet, and the inside of your elbows. You can also get it on your face and legs. Symptoms usually include itchy, red or brownish-gray patches.

Contact dermatitis. This type of eczema is caused by things that irritate your skin and lead to an allergic reaction. Examples include poison ivy or certain ingredients in soap or lotion. The rash could form in minutes or hours and last weeks. It may be painful and may become swollen and infected. If this happens, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Stasis dermatitis. It’s a type of eczema that shows up on your feet, legs, or both. It happens when veins in your legs leak blood. It builds up in your lower legs and makes them look red, scaly, and dry. Early signs include orange-brown spots sometimes called “cayenne pepper spots.” In severe cases, it can permanently harden your skin and make it look bumpy.

Cellulitis. This is when bacteria infect deep layers of the skin. Adults usually get it in their legs. Babies may get it on the face or neck. Red and swollen skin that’s warm and a bit sore is often the first sign. Call your doctor right away if you have these symptoms.

Spider veins. These harmless red or purple web-like veins mostly form in your thighs, ankles, and calves. It happens when small blood vessels right under the skin break. Certain medications, pregnancy, and weight gain can cause them. They may be permanent or go away over time.

Redness and other symptoms may show up differently if you have darker skin. The affected area may be brown, purple, or gray.

Eczema sometimes causes hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. That’s when your skin gets darker or lighter in certain areas.

A dermatologist, or skin doctor, can help you figure out exactly what’s causing your redness.

They’ll check your body and ask about your medical history. That’s because some skin conditions run in families. Treatment depends on what you have.

Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:

• Anti-itch creams
• Hydrocortisone creams
• Antibiotic or antiviral drugs
• Laser treatment
• Acne creams
• Prescription-grade cream or ointment, shampoo, moisturizer, or other body products

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Skin irritation on the face: causes and treatments

Redness, peeling, itching and discomfort are all symptoms of irritated skin. These changes are caused by a violation of the protective layer caused by internal and external factors. Irritation on the face can be triggered by various factors. Such a dermis becomes vulnerable to damage and infections, foreign substances and toxins. Protective barriers weaken, inflammation appears. How to relieve facial skin irritation? Is it possible to prevent the appearance of these aesthetic imperfections? Read on for this and more.

A healthy barrier consists of dense scales that are glued together by lipids. This layer provides effective protection of the epidermis from toxins, damage and infections. Healthy skin is also not prone to moisture loss. It remains elastic and elastic longer, age-related changes do not appear on it.

Irritation of the skin on the face occurs due to damage to the protective barrier. The integrity of the lipid layer is broken. Because of this, bacteria and allergens penetrate the dermis. The skin becomes vulnerable to external irritants, quickly loses moisture. Her condition is rapidly deteriorating. To prevent these changes, it is necessary to choose a special care for irritated facial skin, aimed at restoring, protecting, nourishing and moisturizing.

The condition of the skin changes under the influence of various factors. Even a healthy dermis with constant negative influence can lose its qualities. It becomes more sensitive, dry, covered with red spots, can peel off, cause itching and discomfort. Skin irritations are the result of such factors:

• aggressive cleansing and improper care. Many cleansers cleanse the dermis not only from dust and decorative cosmetics. They also wash away the fats that form the protective barrier. With a systematic procedure, the cover is irritated. The dermis needs soft, delicate cleansing with quality products. For each type, appropriate cosmetics should be selected;
• stress, fatigue and lack of sleep. With an increased level of the hormone cortisol in the body, immunity decreases. It also contributes to the occurrence of diseases of the cardiovascular and digestive systems. Excess cortisol negatively affects the condition of the skin. It inhibits regeneration processes, disrupts the functions of the sebaceous glands;
• action of free radicals. Unstable molecules damage the cells of the dermis. Its ability to recover and renew itself is impaired, and protection against damage is impaired. The best neutralizers of the negative effects of free radicals are antioxidants;
• unfavorable ecological situation. Poor ecology makes the skin vulnerable to damage. On such a cover, redness and other aesthetic imperfections appear. Environmentally unfavorable environments also produce free radicals that cause premature aging;
• food. Products can cause hypersensitivity of the skin, cause irritation and atopic dermatitis. Even useful substances that are necessary for the full functioning of the body provoke aesthetic flaws in case of individual intolerance;
• hot water. A long shower or bath is relaxing and warming. But hot water works on the skin in the best way. It washes away not only dirt, but also a protective fatty layer. And washing products provoke dehydration, itching, peeling;
• medicines. Red, irritated facial skin can be caused by long-term medication. Many remedies provoke dryness, itching, peeling. After taking such products, a program that restores the microflora is necessary.

In case of high sensitivity of the skin, it is also recommended to limit the contact of the dermis with soap and household chemicals. Don’t spend too much time in the sun or in the pool. The method of treatment is selected individually. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of irritation, then choose a comprehensive care that will restore the cover and protective functions of the lipid layer.

The basic rule is to avoid contact with irritants. Watch your diet: what foods cause the reaction, take warm or cool showers, eat a balanced diet of foods rich in antioxidants.

To relieve irritation, you need cosmetic products with soothing properties. Such products are created on the basis of mineral oils, contain vitamin A, aloe vera extract, and other natural extracts.

Take care of the delicate effect on the skin. Do not touch the inflamed area, especially with dirty hands. Skip harsh scrubs and peels. For washing, it is better to use soft gels, milk or foam. Choose problem products and sensitive skin, created on a natural basis.

Avoid hot baths and saunas. Wash your face with warm or cool water. Each cleansing is recommended to be “closed” with toning. Choose an alcohol-free toner for sensitive skin. For dry and irritated skin, chamomile decoction can be a salvation. Once every two weeks, do steam baths with the addition of essential oils.

gentle cleansing;

intensive nutrition and hydration;

restoration of the hydrolipidic protective layer;

vitamins and antioxidants – in diet and cosmetics;

soothing and anti-inflammatory agents.

If, after eliminating irritants and following all the rules, redness, itching, peeling and other cosmetic imperfections do not disappear, it is recommended to consult a doctor. The specialist will be able to choose a comprehensive effective treatment based on the cause, help with the choice of cosmetics and offer cosmetic programs aimed at restoring the skin.

symptoms, causes, treatment, prevention at home

Our skin can react to all external and internal stimuli. Irritation on the skin can manifest itself in the form of a rash, redness, peeling, swelling, itching. The reasons for such a reaction can be completely different – from allergies to diseases of the internal organs and mental disorders ¹ .

What is skin irritation

Skin irritation is a subjective symptom. Most often, this is how people describe itching, redness, burning, peeling, the appearance of rashes and blisters. If such signs appear, you should contact a dermatologist who can determine the exact cause of the appearance of unpleasant symptoms.

– There are more than 2000 nosologies (diagnoses) in dermatovenereology. Therefore, the doctor at the reception observes a very wide variety of symptoms. Everything that is called “pimple” in the common people, the dermatologist will call and interpret in completely different ways. These are inflammatory elements, nodes, papules and pustules, crusts and cracks, peeling, soreness or itching of the skin. To make a correct diagnosis, everything matters – the type of rash, its localization, prevalence, number, presence or absence of chronic diseases. And only understanding the combinations of all the symptoms will help the specialist to make the correct diagnosis, explains dermatovenereologist, cosmetologist Marina Syrlybaeva.

Symptoms of skin irritation in adults

Each person describes the signs of skin irritation differently. However, the most common symptoms are:

• pruritus;
• redness;
• discoloration of some areas of the skin;
• peeling;
• rash;
• skin thickening;
• cracks;
• blisters and weeping skin;
• increased sensitivity.

Causes of skin irritation in adults

According to Marina Syrlybayeva, a dermatologist and cosmetologist, skin irritation can occur for a variety of reasons: bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, allergic reaction, contact with irritating substances, as well as internal diseases. organs. In addition, even in adulthood, chronic or hereditary skin diseases that previously did not make themselves felt may first appear.

Consider the most common causes of skin irritation.

Contact dermatitis

This is one of the most common skin diseases that develops due to skin contact with external irritants. There are simple and allergic contact dermatitis. If the first appears immediately after contact with the irritant, then the second occurs only 10-14 days after the first interaction with the allergen ² .

With this disease, the patient may experience irritation in the form of erythema (redness), various rashes, swelling, dryness, cracks. Often patients complain of itching, soreness and burning sensation ³ .

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that most often manifests in early childhood and is often associated with a hereditary predisposition. Also, risk factors may be disorders of the intestinal microbiome, barrier function of the skin, psycho-emotional stress, cellular and immune disorders, poor ecology ⁴ .

Skin irritation in atopic dermatitis is manifested by the following symptoms: dryness and peeling of the skin, itching, various kinds of rashes, swelling, redness, weeping.

Infectious diseases

Skin irritations can be caused by infectious diseases, eg measles, rubella, typhoid fever, chicken pox. In addition to skin manifestations, patients experience fever, weakness, and in some diseases there are signs of a cold.

Such diseases are characterized by rash, itching, peeling of the skin, papules, weeping. Each infectious disease has its own set of skin symptoms.

Fungal diseases

Unpleasant skin symptoms can cause fungal diseases (mycosis of the skin). You can become infected with them through contact with a carrier (sick person or animal), when using common hygiene items, shoes, as well as in baths and pools.

Symptoms of skin irritation to the fungus may include itching, redness, burning, peeling, cracks, weeping.

Diseases of the internal organs

Skin irritation may be caused by a disease not related to the skin. So, itching, dryness, redness, burning or a rash can appear with type 2 diabetes, liver and kidney diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, mental disorders, tumors of the brain and spinal cord, lymphoma, etc. Parasites and helminthic infestations can also cause irritation on the skin.

Treatment of skin irritation in adults

To effectively treat skin irritation, the exact cause of the symptoms must be determined.

Diagnosis

– The first thing a dermatovenereologist does after talking to a patient is an examination. And even if the rashes are present only on one part of the body, be prepared that the doctor will ask you to undress completely in order to examine all the skin. After all, it often happens that the patient does not attach importance to some signs that will have an important diagnostic value for the doctor, – says dermatovenereologist, cosmetologist Marina Syrlybaeva.

After the examination, the doctor decides on the need for additional research methods. This may be a scraping of skin scales to detect parasitic fungi. Dermoscopy is an examination of the skin with a special device under magnification. A number of laboratory blood tests are also prescribed, and sometimes a skin biopsy.

If a disease of the internal organs is suspected and if characteristic symptoms are present, the doctor may prescribe additional tests and give a referral to a specialized specialist.

Modern treatments

As mentioned earlier, the choice of treatment will depend on the diagnosis. If an allergic reaction has become the cause of skin irritation, then both external agents and systemic therapy can be used: hormonal ointments (for example, based on triamcinolone or betamethasone), antihistamines (for example, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine and other h2-blockers).

Specialized emollients (cosmetic creams to moisturize and soften the skin) and medicated creams to relieve inflammation (topical glucocorticosteroids) can be used for atopic dermatitis.

Fungal infections are treated with antifungal ointments, varnishes (eg based on naftifine, fluconazole, clotrimazole) and systemic drugs (terbinafine or itraconazole).

In infectious diseases, antibacterial (mupirocin), antiviral (acyclovir), antipruritic (demitenden, neotanin) and drying (with zinc oxide and calamine) ointments can be used to combat skin irritation.

In diseases of the internal organs and mental disorders, emphasis is placed on the treatment of the underlying problem. To alleviate the patient’s condition, creams, ointments, lotions and sprays are used that relieve itching, burning, swelling, and soreness.

– And, of course, it is important to remember that you should not self-medicate. In any situation, when you understand that the irritation “didn’t go away by itself”, you need to contact a dermatovenereologist, Marina Syrlybaeva adds. “Unfortunately, often self-treatment leads to difficult diagnosis, as well as complications of the disease.

Prevention of skin irritation in adults at home

To prevent skin irritation, you need to follow a few simple rules:

• avoid allergens;
• avoid prolonged hot baths;
• humidify the air, maintain room temperature;
• wear clothes made of natural fabrics, prefer silk;
• For dry skin after bathing, apply a moisturizing cream.

Popular questions and answers

We talked about when to see a doctor in case of skin irritation, what complications this problem threatens, whether it is possible to be treated with folk methods with a dermatologist, cosmetologist Marina Syrlybaeva.

When should I see a doctor for skin irritation?

– For any skin irritation that does not go away on its own in 1-2 days, you should consult a doctor.

What are the complications of skin irritation?

– Complications can be the spread of the process (there will be more rashes) and the addition of a secondary infection (suppuration), which greatly complicates the treatment. With some acute allergic reactions, complications may develop in the form of anaphylactic reactions (difficulty breathing, pressure drop) that can be life threatening.

Is it possible to cope with irritation with folk, improvised or home methods?

– We live in the 21st century. I do not recommend treating any irritation on the skin on your own, and even more so with improvised or homemade methods.

Sources:

1. Tsyrkunov L.P., Tsyrkunova A.L. Skin symptoms in mental illness // Dermatovenerology. Cosmetology. Sexopathology. – 2008.