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Weird Temporary Rash On Face When I...

First, I'm a 29 yearold Caucasian male of European decent (German/English mostly). I eat fairly healthy and do not have any known medical conditions or allergies. I have a moderately pale but clear complexion with what seems like some dry areas (forehead / temples) as well as oily areas (nose).

As you can see in the attached photo, for some years now, whenever I exert myself physically (especially if to the point of sweating) or taking a hot shower (which I avoid, but still), my forehead and temples (and sometimes around my eyes) break out in a blotchy red rash. Though my face may feel a bit warm, there is no other itching or physical sensation involved.

It appears to be body temperature/heat related as water alone (from a shower, sweat, etc.) will not trigger it, nor do foods (spicy or otherwise) or alcohol seem to trigger a response alone (though they can exacerbate or increase the likeliness of a breakout, or maybe the likeliness of feeling hot/sweating).

What seems even stranger is the skin around where the blotchiness tends to occur turns rather pale (as if the surrounding blood is draining into the blotchy areas).

Fortunately, once given a chance to cool down the rash tends to go away in 15 minutes or so and doesn't seem to leave any lasting effect. Not so fortunately, I obviously have to shy away from physical activities or anything that involves me being hot/outside/sweating/etc. That's all well and good, but it's affecting my life adversely and I'd like to do something about it.

I've not seen a doctor (can't afford to just yet) so I'm looking for any possible over-the-counter solutions (I'm well aware I should continue to avoid triggers, but I'd love to have a little more control over the situation, if not a cure). Failing that, I'd at least like to know if this is a recognizable condition with a name/treatment/etc.

Many thanks in advance,

J.D.

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Avatar universal
Did you find a solution I'm having the same exact issues
Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
It looks and sounds like hives. Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They have a tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours.

Take some antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin and apply some calamine lotion on the rashes. If the symptoms persist then topical or oral steroids may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

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Avatar universal
Don't know if this is bad etiquette here, but bumping this thread since it's been a while with no reply.

I'd really like some input if anyone recognizes this.

TL;DR: Temporary red rash on face (see picture) after exercise and/or hot shower (seems heat related).
Helpful - 0
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