Inflammation of the face can be uncomfortable. Contact rashes are a common cause for facial skin irritation. An allergic reaction doesn't always happen immediately. It can take up to 48 hours to occur, according to Medline Plus. Learning the cause of the irritation will assist in selecting the right treatment and preventing future facial skin irritation.
Causes
Contact dermatitis is a common cause of facial skin irritation. Symptoms of contact dermatitis include facial itching, dryness and red patches on the skin. Common irritants include cosmetics and makeup, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Using facial wash with fragrances and dyes also causes this skin issue.
Treatment
Treat facial skin irritation with topical hydrocortisone creams, which are available at pharmacies. Apply a dressing to the skin after applying the topical cream to promote absorption of the medication, the Mayo Clinic website recommends.
Use prescription oral cortisteroid creams for facial skin irritations that don't respond to topical treatments. These medications are available by prescription through your dermatologist. An oral antihistamine is another prescription treatment option, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Considerations
Dry skin aggravates facial irritation. Avoid drying out skin by limiting baths and showers to five to 10 minutes, recommends the American Academy of Dermatology. Wash the face no more than twice daily. Use warm water instead of hot water to minimize drying of facial skin. Apply a moisturizer within three minutes of getting out of the shower or washing the face. Moisturizers trap moisture inside facial skin, calming irritation.
Alcohol-based toners and some anti-aging products increase skin dryness, making this problem worse, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Avoid using products with alpha-hydroxy acid if you develop an increase in facial irritation and dryness.
Allergen Testing
Your dermatologist can identify the offending allergen with a patch test. Your doctor places a patch on the skin with common irritants. If a red bump develops during the patch test, you have identified the allergen. The test lasts about two days and is a lightweight strip placed on the arms.
Warnings
Avoid scratching irritated facial skin. Scratching causes increased inflammation and boosts the risk for infection. If you scratch the skin while sleeping, wear gloves at night. A doctor should examine facial irritation that lasts longer than two weeks. He can also provide prescription medications if the irritation doesn't respond to over-the-counter treatments.
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