rash on face/neck

Hello,
about 6 weeks ago I developed a facial rash (raised bumps that itch) of which I believed to be from when I got my hair dyed 7 days prior. I took benadryl which brought it down 40%. I then went on a steroid shot which did not help. I then went to an allergist who prescribed me 2 rounds of prednisone. The rash remained and got actually worse after I stopped. I tried xyzal and that helped the itching more but it is still spreading down my neck. My primary care has done blood work (not gotten results) to check for any underlying. I am wondering though if the steroids did not work, does that mean something else is causing the rash? I have not used any new products recently. Any idea of what could be causing? Have you ever seen a rash resistant to steroid therapy? This is quite frustrating.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be due to irritant contact dermatitis causing superficial burns. 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 .

If the irritation persists then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist. I hope it helps. Take care and regards.