Overview
When talking about redness on the face, it doesn’t include the rosy blush that appears naturally and looks pretty good as it indicates the blood flow to the skin, which is normal. Redness on the face that appears out of nowhere in patches without any specific or obvious reason indicates an underlying condition. It should be considered for its effective treatment. Some of the most common causes include increased sun exposure, Irritation from skincare products you are using, contact dermatitis, diarrhea, seborrheic dermatitis, and tumors. Prescription medications that can effectively treat the redness are isotretinoin, azelaic acid, or antibiotics like doxycycline and tetracycline. Get connected with an online healthcare expert and get a consultation and prescription for the underlying medical condition without going to the doctor.
What are the causes of redness on your face?
Several reasons can cause redness on the face. Some of them include:
- Acne:
Acne, when inflamed, appears red or red patches on the affected skin area where acne is present. Due to inflammation in the affected area, blood circulation increases to the specific areas, leading to redness.
- Sun exposure:
Sun and its UV radiation are among the most common causes of redness and flushness of the skin, especially the face. Constant or long-term exposure to UV skin can damage the elastin and collagen, leading to redness on the face. After long-term exposure, little time spent in direct sunlight can cause redness and irritation.
After long-term exposure, little time spent in direct sunlight can cause redness and irritation,
says Dr. Richard Honekar
- Skin products with active ingredients:
Not all the products we use as part of our skincare products work to improve our skin. Skincare products contain different ingredients that can react to your skin type. It can lead to allergic reactions and redness on the skin. Patch testing before using any skin care product is always recommended to avoid any allergic reaction afterward.
- Severe diarrhea and dehydration:
One of the rare but possible causes of red and flashy skin can be diarrhea, which leads to dehydration. This usually makes the skin look pale, red, and dehydrated. It can be treated with an adequate intake of water or fluids to balance the deficiency of water in the body.
- Dermatitis:
A certain type of yeast called Malassezia is responsible for causing a yeast infection called seborrheic dermatitis, usually on the oily parts of the skin, i.e., sides of the nose and skin. This leads to infection and inflammation and causes redness or flashiness on the face. It not only causes redness but swelling and irritation as well.
- Rosacea (chronic skin inflammatory condition)
Genetic factors, abnormal immune response, environmental triggers, and alterations cause rosacea. This can lead to redness on the face. Different topical and oral antibiotics are prescribed per the nature and severity of your dermatological condition.
Different topical and oral antibiotics are prescribed per the nature and severity of your dermatological condition,
says Dr Richard Honekar
Some of the other causes can be :
- Eczema
- Exfoliation
- Triggering foods
- Stress.
How do you reduce redness on your face without going to the doctor?
You can reduce redness on your face without going to the doctor by getting a consultation online. You can connect with an online healthcare provider virtually and get the diagnosis and prescription medication per the nature and severity of your medical condition. Prescription medication will be given to you after a careful diagnosis by a healthcare provider.
Prescription medication
Prescription medication can only be prescribed after diagnosing an underlying condition that causes redness, flashiness, or a patchy surface on your face. Some of the prescription medications for redness on the face are:
- Topical medications:
- Azelaic Acid Gel (15%) which should be applied twice daily.
- Metronidazole Gel (0.75% or 1%) is usually directed to be applied once or twice a day.
- Ivermectin Cream (1%) should be applied as per the condition.
- Oral antibiotics:
- Doxycycline (Typically prescribed as 50-100 mg once or twice daily)
- Minocycline (Typically prescribed as 50-100 mg once or twice daily)
- Tetracycline (Typically prescribed as 250 mg four times daily)
- Other oral medications:
- Isotretinoin: The dose varies depending on the severity and response of the patient, typically starting at 0.5-1 mg/kg/day.
Home remedies
Home remedies to treat redness on the face can be considered for first aid purposes or temporary relief. These remedies won’t last longer; you will eventually need consultation and prescription medication to treat the underlying condition.
- Using SPF sunblock will help you protect your skin from sun exposure and UV radiation.
- Use a cold compress (not ice packs) in case of burns and blisters.
- Hydrating moisturizers can also reduce the dryness of your skin, eventually reducing the redness or itchiness on the face.
- Changes in dietary plans, i.e., avoiding spicy foods and lots of hydration, will help reduce the itchiness and redness of the face.
How can you prevent a red rash on your face from occurring?
You can prevent red rash on your face by following some simple measures, including:
- Use gentle skincare products suitable for sensitive skin.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and fragrances in skincare and cosmetic products.
- Protect your face from sun exposure with sunscreen and hats/umbrellas.
- Maintain a healthy skincare routine with regular cleansing and moisturizing.
- Identify and avoid triggers such as certain foods, stress, or environmental factors.
- Consider using hypoallergenic or non-comedogenic products to minimize irritation.
When should I see a doctor?
You can get rid of redness on the face by using some home and natural remedies, including cold and hot compress, that will give you temporary relief. If the redness persists, it’s the right time to see a doctor for the correct diagnosis and a prescription. You can now get treated for redness of the face without going to the doctor by getting an online consultation and connecting with healthcare providers virtually.
FAQs about redness on your face
As a home remedy, yes, but keep in mind that direct contact with heat and ice compresses can be a good option to reduce and treat the redness of the face. In case of an underlying medical condition, consultation and prescription medication will be needed to treat an underlying medical condition.
No. It’s good not to rub the ice directly to the face. Only a cold compress can help you get rid of redness on the face temporarily. Rubbing the ice directly on the face can cause the ice to burn on an already flushed face and might irritate the skin more.
