What should you know about face itching and swelling?

Hives can cause sudden itchy, raised areas that move or fade, while contact dermatitis may affect skin exposed to a cosmetic, cleanser, hair dye, or metal. Atopic dermatitis often causes persistent itch with dryness and a weakened skin barrier. Scabies can cause intense itch and may affect close contacts. Psoriasis, lichen planus, asteatotic eczema, and skin yeast infection are other conditions a clinician may consider when the rash has a particular scale, border, distribution, or duration.

Stop new skincare, cosmetics, hair products, and medicines only when a clinician advises that stopping is safe; do not re-test a suspected trigger on your face. Rinse irritants gently, avoid scratching, and use a cool compress. Keep nails short and do not share towels or bedding if an infectious cause is possible. Arrange assessment for persistent, recurrent, crusted, or spreading symptoms.

Get emergency help for swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat; trouble breathing or swallowing; wheezing; faintness; or rapidly spreading hives. Seek prompt care for fever, severe pain, pus, eye involvement, or fast-growing one-sided swelling. These signs need assessment for a serious allergic reaction or infection.

Ask whether the appearance fits hives, contact dermatitis, eczema, infection, or another condition, and whether close contacts need assessment. Ask which soothing products are suitable and which warning signs should bring you back urgently.