Face rash with hay fever: causes and relief

Allergic rhinitis can cause itching and rubbing around the nose, cheeks, and eyes. Tears, pollen, dust, and repeated wiping may leave the skin dry, red, or sore. Allergic conjunctivitis commonly adds gritty, watery, itchy eyes. Sinusitis may cause facial pressure or pain, but a hot, tender, spreading area is less typical of hay fever and needs a different assessment.

Hay fever does not usually cause fever. A true high temperature, marked facial pain, thick discharge, breathing difficulty, or a rash that is swollen or blistered suggests looking beyond seasonal allergy symptoms.

Rinse the face gently after outdoor exposure and pat dry rather than rubbing. Keep windows closed when pollen is high, change clothes after time outside, and use a clean cool cloth over itchy areas. A plain moisturiser may protect irritated skin. Ask a pharmacist about suitable antihistamine or nasal treatment, particularly if you have asthma, are pregnant, or take other medicines.

Get emergency help for swelling of the lips or tongue, wheezing, trouble breathing, or faintness. Arrange prompt medical advice for eye pain or vision change, severe one-sided facial pain, a high temperature, rapidly worsening redness, or swelling around the eye. If symptoms recur outside allergy seasons or disturb sleep despite avoidance measures, book a clinical review.

Ask whether the skin change is allergy-related or contact irritation, whether nasal or eye treatment would help, and what features would point to sinusitis, asthma, or infection instead.