Symptoms of a Rash on the Face

Rashes cause changes in the color and consistency of the surface of your skin. Rashes on the face can occur for a number of reasons, including diseases, allergic reactions or sensitive skin. Facial rashes can cause a number of disconcerting symptoms to develop. Some of these symptoms may be mild and you may overlook them, while others may be harsh, causing you to take immediate notice of the problem.

Scaly Patches

Psoriasis guttae can cause a scaly patch of ski to develop on the facial area, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The skin may look very rough and dry and may worsen over time.

Red Skin Discoloration

Some facial rashes, including rosacea, cause a red skin discoloration on the facial area. This type of rash causes the blood vessels in the face to dilate easily, resulting in an increased blood flow near the surface of the skin. The facial area may be hot to the touch and you may look feverish or flushed. The red facial skin may also burn, sting and itch. Your physician may treat rosacea with medications such as oral antibiotics and topical treatments, according to the National Rosacea Society.

Pain and Blisters

The herpes zoster virus, which causes shingles, can cause significant pain. According to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a shingles rash can cause a tingling, burning, and numbing sensation at first. However, after the rash fully develops it can cause pain because the rash follows a nerve path on the body and can form blisters. The breakout areas may be quite sensitive to the touch. In some cases, permanent nerve damage can occur and you may continue to suffer with pain for months or even years after the rash has healed.

References

Article reviewed by David Fisher Last updated on: Oct 7, 2010

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