Rash on the cheeks

New skincare, cosmetics, fragrance, hair products, masks, or frequent washing can irritate the cheeks or cause contact dermatitis. Dry, rough, or scaly areas may occur with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Heat can bring out small prickly bumps, while a ring-shaped scaly patch may suggest ringworm. A rash after a new medicine may be a drug eruption. One-sided crusting, oozing, or pain can point to infection and should be examined.

Pause newly introduced products and wash with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Apply a simple moisturiser if the skin is dry, avoid scrubbing and picking, and protect the area from strong heat and wind. Do not apply steroid, antibiotic, or antifungal creams to the face without advice, because the wrong product can worsen some conditions or alter the appearance. Keep a dated photo record.

Seek urgent help for facial or lip swelling with breathing or swallowing difficulty, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, blistering, skin peeling, eye involvement, or fever. Arrange prompt review for pus, honey-coloured crusting, a painful one-sided rash, or a rash that follows a new medicine. Book a routine visit when it persists, recurs, or leaves lasting colour change.

Could a product or medicine be triggering this? Does the surface suggest eczema, psoriasis, fungus, or infection? Which facial products are suitable? Should my eyes be checked if the rash is nearby?