rash on face

About 5 moths ago I got a recation to skin product and my face went very red, scaly and flaky. I  tried to calm it down with E45 but eventaully realised this was making it worse. For about 2-3 months I tried different sensitive products, each time waiting about 2 weeks  till the next one, each time skin reacted. On advice from this forum I left my face alone for about 8 weeks.  My face did look better though there was still a slightly different skin complexion in the area where my reaction had been worse, but as this did not change over last few weeks I assumed my face was ok.

On recommendation from pharmacist I then tried small amounts of cetaphil facial wash and sun cream (as its was getting hot - summer) for babies as I was told these would be hypo allergenic. Nothing happened after 48 hours so I started to use it as normal. This was about a week and  a half ago. Everything seemed fine, no sudden reaction but the  last few days I have noticed my face to start going a little redder and the skin looking to have a different texture over the area where my initial reaction was bad, also starting to show signs of peeling skin. Cannot understand why it would be ok for a week but then start again and not sure what else I can do. Please help

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum again! I remember your prior post, as well as my answer to it. I am glad to hear you are doing much better.

Like I mentioned, ideal way to prevent new flares of allergic contact dermatitis is to find out what substances you might be sensitive to and completely avoid them in future. Some of those ingredients with higher allergenic potential are very common in cosmetic products (for example, parabens, fragrances, balsam of Peru, wool alcohols, etc.). Patch testing is the diagnostic method to determine culprits.  

In regards to therapy of mild allergic contact dermatitis, short-term treatment with topical nonfluorinated corticosteroids is often sufficient. Of course, application of any other topical product should be discontinued until skin is recovered and results of patch testing available.

Slightly darker complexion (color) in areas of prior allergic reaction could be postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.


Wishing you Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic