What is it about ?
A number of skin conditions focus primarily on the face. But most conditions affect both the face and the rest of the body.
How to recognize them?
Face infections
They can be caused by a bacteria, virus or fungus. Sometimes infections are associated with other skin diseases.
Bacterial infections
- THE’impetigo is characterized by red spots, covered with a yellow crust, blister or ulcer. It is a very contagious condition.
- THE’erysipelas is distinguished by the appearance of a red hot area, which extends over the skin. Swelling, fluid build-up, and sometimes blistering occurs. These signs may also be accompanied by fever and / or a general feeling of being unwell. There is often a small wound in the immediate vicinity (gateway to infection).
Viral infections
- the shingles (ring of fire) first manifests itself in pain. This is followed by groups of vesicles (small blisters), usually in bands and always on one half of the body. The blisters dry up and give way to scabs, which then fall off on their own.
- Ordinary herpes is characterized by redness associated with small groups of blisters, which come back regularly and always in the same place. The cold sores are a good example.
- Finally, we can mention herpetic eczema, in which the characteristic eruptions of herpes develop in the eczema patches. Often, the lesions spread slightly and fluid drains from them.
Ringworm (infection caused by a fungus) is usually localized on hairy areas, beard and neck. It is characterized by clearly demarcated spots, which peel around the edges, often accompanied by small bumps (papules) and ulcers. Contamination often occurs through contact with animals.
Eczema
On the face, we especially observe:
- the’atopic eczema,
- the’seborrheic eczema (eyebrows, beard, forehead, hairline),
- the perioral dermatitis (around the mouth and / or eyes) and
- the contact dermatitis allergic.
Depending on the affected area, age, cosmetic use and appearance, a (sometimes difficult) distinction can be made between the different forms.
Other skin conditions
- Acne is a condition of the pilosebaceous follicles, which are mainly located in the face and upper chest and back. The sebaceous glands secrete sebum, which preserves the hydration of our skin. When sebum does not drain properly, it can cause sebumacne, visible as white pimples or blackheads (comedones).
- Pigmentation disorders result in a lack (vitiligo) or excess pigment (melasma).
the vitiligo is characterized by well demarcated symmetrical pale patches, especially around the eyes and mouth. Discolored spots may also persist after a healing occurs. atopic eczema.
Melasma is manifested by the appearance of dark spots, usually on the cheeks and temples. They often occur after starting oral contraceptives and during pregnancy. - Flushing (flushing) starts suddenly and is accompanied by a feeling of heat, and sometimes sweating. It is often a reaction to emotions.
- In the case of a photodermatitis or sensitivity to light, a rash appears, accompanied by itching and tingling when exposed to the sun.
- Lupus erythematosus is a systemic disease that may be accompanied by the formation of circular lesions on the cheeks, nose and forehead. Lesions can leave scars after healing.
How is the diagnosis made?
Diagnosis can be very difficult because many conditions are similar. This is why the doctor will usually order lab tests after asking you specific questions and examining you.
The doctor will inquire about the symptoms and the course of the lesions: have they appeared suddenly or is the condition rather chronic, do you have itching, is it possibly a relapse, do you have any allergies, do you have pain or fever, are there any skin diseases in your family, …?
During the clinical examination, the doctor examines not only the lesions, but also the rest of the skin, hair and nails. He will be attentive to the location, the presence of scales (skin dandruff), blisters or ulcers and the delimitation.
Laboratory tests may include a blood test (allergy tests, antibodies, inflammations), a microscopic examination of a few cells taken from the lesion and a culture fluid or pus to identify bacteria and fungi. Sometimes a small piece of tissue is taken for further examinations (biopsy).
What can you do ?
Try to eliminate as many causes as possible:
- Avoid contact with products to which you are allergic.
- Avoid or minimize the use of cosmetics.
- If necessary, adapt your clothes: wear gloves if you have a contact allergy, cover your arms and legs if you have an allergy to the sun, …
- Avoid exposing yourself to the sun in the hottest hours.
- Try not to scratch, you will only make the lesions worse.
If you have dry skin, use a moisturizing bath or shower oil and cream.
What can your doctor do?
Treatment usually consists of the local application of ointments and creams. In case of infections, ointments and creams contain antibiotics or fungicides.
Eczema and itching are treated with cortisone creams. These creams should only be used for a short time, and preferably as little as possible in the face.
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