Facial rash

[JFran521]

I recently developed a rash around my lips and mouth 2 days ago that is now spreading upward around my eye.  The rash consists of small raised bumps that are slightly red and very itchy.  The rash looks similar to pictures of contact dermatitis.  The roof of my mouth feels itchy as well.  I also developed upper respiratory tract infection with a slight runny nose, cough, and sore throat.

I went to the doctor's office this morning and all he said was that I have a viral rash, which wasn't very helpful since that was the reason I came in in the first place.  I asked if this could possibly be an aytipical presentation of herpes simplex or herpes zooster infections, since this same thing has happened to me 2 or 3 times in the past.  It usually takes 7-10 days to clear up, so I don't think it's a food allergy.  The doctor said it looked nothing like herpes lesions and rushed me out with a perscription for metronidazole cream.  This really didn't make any sense to me since he said the infection was viral.

I am wondering what sort of infectious rash I have, and if it is contagious.  The doctor told me he didn't think that the rash was contagious and that I should be fine to work.  I am a RN on a critical care unit, so I certainly don't want to be spreading this around.  Any help would be much appreciated.  Thanks

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It could be eczema, sweat dermatitis, allergic reactions or herpes.

You need to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene . Use a medicated sunscreen and avoid sun exposure.

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
This does seem to be an allergic rash. They usually appear suddenly and will keep spreading until the offending agent is removed from the body.

The pathological reaction that takes place on your skin due to foreign particles is considered as allergy rash. This is a misdirected immune response of the body which causes the release of histamine.
This allergy rash can be identified itchy and swollen red bumps or patches all over the body.

Food, medications, cosmetics, insect bites, pollen and other plants and sun exposure are common causes. You can apply Calamine lotion on the bumps and take anti-histamines like Cetrizine for it.

Viral infections can sometimes cause a non-specific dermatitis which can present as allergic rash but may not be itchy. It is self-limiting and will resolve in 7-10 days without treatment.
ref:http://www.allergyasthmazone.com/allergy/factors-that-can-contribute-to-allergy-rash/