Face is itchy red

[Kris102378]

Last year my face started to itch and near my chin I would get big red patches went to the ER and they were like kind of looks like your chin is chapped they didn't know what it was well I was hoping it would go away and it does go away from time to time I figured it was something I was eating (which I haven't changed my eating habits in over 20yrs) I was chewing a gum in which made the rash get redder so I don't eat that gum anymore, Well recently I thought maybe it's the butter so I stopped eating that butter and seemed as tho I didn't get the rash well now it's back but my face is really itchy right now went and seen my doctor to which he thinks it's environmental (pollen) maybe? What can I do??? I don't wear make up except for lipstick I use soap and water on my face because I do have sensitive skin so whenever I try to use something else to wash my face I usually turn red. Please help I was gonna go to a dermatologist but I am not sure they will even know what it is.

As of right now I am thinking could it possibly be my glasses that I wear all the time everyday could that be making my face itch and be red???

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

This could be perioral dermatitis which is a common facial skin problem. It usually presents with groups of itchy or tender small red papules most often around the mouth. They spare the skin bordering the lips but may also develop on the sides of the chin, then spreading to include upper lip and cheeks. The surrounding skin may be pink, and the skin surface often becomes dry and flaky. The exact cause is not understood but may be associated to topical steroid creams or ointments or proliferating bacteria and yeasts in the hair follicles.

Wash the face with warm water alone while the rash is present. If it persists, it would be best to see your dermatologist for proepr evaluation. He or she may also prescribe a course of oral antibiotics for six to twelve weeks. Perioral dermatitis sometimes recurs.

Take care and regards.

[Kris102378]

Hi thank you for writing and I looked up Perioral Dermatitis I believe that is what I have after seeing a picture and most picture's people have it servely which I don't I forgot to add I also get it around my eyes as well could it be my glasses? I really hope not because I need them to see lol. Thank you again