What should you know about facial rash and swelling?

Contact dermatitis may follow a new product, hair treatment, jewellery, or medicine touching the skin. Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis can cause inflamed, itchy, dry, or scaly areas. Heat rash, intertrigo, ringworm, and scabies have different patterns and exposure clues. A drug rash can appear after a medicine and needs prompt review.

The rash's shape, scale, itch, pain, warmth, blisters, and spread matter. Note whether swelling affects the eyelids or lips and whether anyone else has itching. A photograph taken before applying products can help a clinician compare changes.

Stop a suspected new cosmetic or irritant, rinse gently, and use a bland moisturiser if tolerated. Do not scratch, pop blisters, or share towels. If a medicine may be involved, contact the prescriber before making changes unless emergency symptoms are present. A clinician should choose treatment after examining the rash.

Seek emergency help for breathing or swallowing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, blistering or peeling skin, or a rash involving the eyes or mouth. Get prompt medical care for fever, severe pain, rapidly spreading redness, pus, or facial swelling near the eye.

Ask which features distinguish allergy, infection, irritation, and inflammatory disease, and whether a medicine or exposure is relevant. Bring product names, medication timing, photographs, and details about contact with affected people or animals.