A rash may change the color or texture of the skin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Facial rashes may present as skin redness, inflammation or skin lesions. On the face, skin dermatitis, another name for a simple rash, may occur from something as simple as coming into contact with an allergen; however, facial rashes may be caused by more serious conditions that could require medical intervention.
Rosacea
Rosacea affects the face, presenting with small, red, pus-filled bumps or pustules on the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. According to MayoClinic.com, rosacea often gets mistaken for skin allergies or other minor skin problems, as this condition flares up for weeks or months and then appears to go away of its own accord. Left untreated, rosacea symptoms progressively worsen, and over-the-counter treatments often inflame the skin more. No cure for rosacea exists, but physicians may treat symptoms with topical and oral medications, as well as specific moisturizers, soaps and sunscreens to improve the health of the skin.
Fifth Disease
Fifth disease, also called erythema infectiosum, most often occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 15. This contagious condition presents as rash on the face that makes it appear as if the cheeks have been slapped. The rash eventually spreads to the rest of the body. According to KidsHealth.org, 40 to 60 percent of adults worldwide have evidence of a past infection by the virus that causes fifth disease. Physicians usually offer no treatment for fifth disease since the accompanying fever and cold symptoms can be treated at home with OTC remedies, and the rash generally goes away on its own within one to three weeks.
Lupus
Lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus, causes a rash over the cheeks and nose in approximately half of all lupus sufferers, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. Library of Medicine. This rash worsens when exposed to sunlight. Lupus, a chronic immune disorder, occurs when an overactive immune system attacks both healthy and harmful cells and tissues in the body. A condition called cutaneous lupus may also occur, where the lupus only affects the skin. Cutaneous lupus may present as a red, raised rash that becomes scaly, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. Treatment may include topical and injected corticosteroids and staying out of the sun.
