Some facial rashes mimic the look of pimples, but have no relation to acne. Several different conditions can cause pimple-like rashes on the face in both adults and children. For some rashes, you can treat the condition and its accompanying symptoms at home. More serious rashes require medical attention and antibiotics.
Common Adult Rashes
Rosacea and hives are two common causes of rash-like pimples on the face in adults. An inflammatory skin condition, rosacea, appears similar to acne on the face, producing small red bumps filled with pus. Rosacea will flare up for a period of weeks or months and then get better over time.
Pale, itchy swellings that burn or sting and appear in one localized area on the skin, such as your face, are likely hives. Generally caused by an allergic reaction, hives or urticarias, may appear after you've eaten a new food or taken a new medication. Urticarias may also appear from stress, sunlight, heat, cold, water, pressure, vibration or exercise, cites the American Academy of Dermatology.
Common Childhood Rashes
While they also affect adults, chickenpox and staph infections are common childhood rashes that can look like pimples on the face. Caused by the varicella-zoster virus, chickenpox produces itchy, red, pimple-like bumps. Chickenpox may spread to other areas of the body, but you may first notice it on the face. Chickenpox is contagious to anyone who has not had the virus or been vaccinated against it.
Staph infections can manifest in different forms, all caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Staph infections enter the body through areas of broken skin, such as a scrape on your child's face. If you see tiny white-headed pimples that may have a small red area around each pimple on the face, you are seeing folliculitis, a relatively minor infection. If you are seeing larger blisters filled with fluid on the face, your child may have impetigo, which typically appears around the nose and mouth.
Prevention
Some rashes are preventable, although you cannot prevent rosacea. To prevent hives, stay away from foods you are allergic to, and tell your doctor and pharmacist of any drug allergies. The chickenpox vaccine can prevent the virus. You can prevent staph infections by practicing proper hygiene, such as daily bathing and regular hand washing. Additionally, clean and cover any open wounds and allergic reactions.
Medical Treatment
Rashes such as rosacea, hives and chickenpox generally need to run their course. Your doctor can give you a medication to relieve rosacea, but there is no cure for the condition. In a severe case of hives, your doctor may give you an adrenaline injection, but generally, you can treat the rash at home. While there's no antibiotic to cure chickenpox, an antibiotic can treat the sores if they become infected. If you are pregnant and get chickenpox, see your doctor as the virus poses a risk to your baby's health, warns KidsHealth.org. Your doctor can prescribe an antibiotic ointment and an oral antibiotic for a staph infection.
At Home Treatment
You can wash your facial rash with warm water and a gentle, antibacterial cleanser. Always protect your skin with sunscreen, and wear a scarf around face in cold weather. If you break out in hives, take an over-the-counter antihistamine to relieve the allergic reaction. You can calm any irritation from a rash with a cool, wet compress and calamine lotion. Keep a staph infection covered with a clean dressing, and do not use the same towel or washcloth more than once to clean or dry the infected area.
Member Comments