Red itchy face: How to fix it
Dermatology is the branch of medicine that deals with the hair, nails, skin, and its diseases. It is a specialty with both medical and surgical aspects. Within the study of dermatology are many different subspecialties. One such subspecialty is Environmental and Occupational Dermatology. This is the branch of dermatology that deals with the management of skin diseases that are caused by the exposure to skin irritants and allergens found in the environment or in the workplace.
Contact dermatitis is the general term used to describe a localized skin rash that results from such exposure of the skin to allergens or irritants in the environment. This rash can be recurring and can cause varying degrees of itching and discomfort. This can also occur anywhere in the body and at any time whenever the skin is exposed to a specific allergen. Many times, patients break out into a red and itchy rash on their faces. This might happen because the skin on the face is especially sensitive.
Symptoms of red itchy face can include any or all of the following: tightening of the skin, itching, stinging, or burning. Patients may also notice red patches with fine scaling on the areas around their nose and cheeks. Others may experience chronically dry skin around the eyes and lips, but will definitely cause discomfort and cosmetic concerns.
Patients who suffer from red itchy face may look to any of the following as possible causes; the first is any underlying skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea or psoriasis. The second is changes in hormone levels brought about by pregnancy, metabolic diseases, or pharmacological drugs. The third is lifestyle or work related “skin-stressors” (for example: sudden shifts in environmental temperature and humidity brought about by frequent travel, extreme sports, exercise routines, emotional and mental stress, unhealthy diet). The last is allergens and skin irritants in the environment that trigger a contact dermatitis. It is important to note that these allergens and irritants may be found in personal care products and everyday cosmetics.
If you are suffering from red itchy face, the best approach is to temporarily stop all cosmetic products and shift to hypoallergenic mild facial cleansers and moisturizers. Avoid scratching or picking at your face, lest this worsen the condition and lead to scarring. If the condition persists, it is best to see a board certified dermatologist affiliated with the Philippine Dermatological Society so they can help determine the cause of the skins’ inflammation. These doctors are best trained to systematically run through the causes with patients and help identify the true culprit or trigger. They are also the best doctors to help determine if a diagnostic patch test is required.
A patch test is the application of very small amounts of different allergens to the skin using specialized chambers. After 48 hours (during which time the patches can’t get wet), the patient returns to the dermatologist and has the patches removed so the doctor can see which allergens may have caused aggravation. An initial reading is done. After another 48 hours the patient returns to have a follow-up reading done to include any possible late responses. This test can help determine which allergens a patient is allergic to and identify those that can be causing recurring rashes and inflammation.
At St. Luke’s Dermatology Center, a team of highly-trained dermatologists at the Environmental Dermatology Unit provides the most comprehensive patch tests in the country using diagnostic services similar to those in the most highly specialized centers abroad. They use 70 different allergens (which may be extended as necessary) as opposed to the 20-30 used in other centers. This gives patients a wider chance of finding the right allergens. Additionally, the Center also conducts photo patch testing which can help determine if the allergy or inflammation is caused not by an allergen but by the allergen’s exposure to sunlight. This is known as Photocontact dermatitis.
Itchy, red, inflamed, and irritated facial skin can be very difficult to deal with, but if patients work hand in hand with experienced, well-trained, board certified dermatologists, patients can be closer to finding out what are causing their reactions and avoid them in the future.
Dr. CLARISSA VILLARAMA-CELLONA, FPDS, is Head of the Environmental Dermatology Unit of the St. Luke’s Dermatology Center in Global City. She graduated from the UP College of Medicine-Philippine General Hospital and completed her subspecialty training at the University of California in San Francisco, California, USA. For inquiries about environmental dermatology or patch testing, please contact the St. Luke’s Dermatology Center in Global City at 7897700 ext. 2083/2084 and in Quezon City at 7230101 ext. 5208.