FACIAL RASH!

I stupidly applied toothpaste on both my cheeks thinking it would help and now im going back to school in about two days and i need help to treat it before i start school!!!! PLEASE HELP ! I really think they are rashes because they are red bumpy and itchy. The bumps dont seem to be so bad but i really need helP!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like irritant contact dermatitis to me. Irritant dermatitis, the most common type of contact dermatitis, involves inflammation resulting from contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents, cosmetics, or other chemicals.

Avoid using any lotions and creams over the face for the meantime. Wash your face with a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Pat your face dry. Then apply a good hypoallergenic moisturizer over the area and see if this improves. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort.

If the irritation persists then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.