I have a rash on my face started 2 weeks ago.

Hi,

2 weeks ago I noticed my cheeks were a little more purple than they should be.

Then at the beginning of this week my cheeks began breaking out in a rash.

It's gotten to a point where it's really noticeable. It's quite pink but purple blotches in places and my nose is quite red but right now it isn't as red as it was on Thrusday/Friday.

I also noticed one or more of my friends that I was with just over 2 weeks ago have the same kind of red looking rash on their faces.

2 of them have it really bad.

I'm really worried about what this rash may be and why it seems more than one of us have the face rash.

It's also on my forehead and chin.

Can any1 please advise me on what the causes of this could be so when I got to the doctors I can request all the right tests to be done so I don't leave undiagnosed or diagnosed with the wrong ailment.

Thanks

[FaceRashHelp]

Here is pics

http://i51.tinypic.com/2evrzaq.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/9fnrxw.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/6olvo2.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/ajphna.jpg

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms the first possibilities are of contact dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaky, dry, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas esp under the nose or anywhere on face. People with seborrheic dermatitis produce too much sebum (the natural skin oil). Later, pityrosporum yeast grows excessively in the sebum, sometime along with bacteria, making the dermatitis more persistent.

The other possibility is of rosacea and butterfly rash of SLE( less likely). To confirm the diagnosis I suggest you to get an evaluation done 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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.