Rash on the cheeks

definition

Rash on the cheeks is not subject to a uniform definition, as various diseases, allergies and conditions can lead to it. In general, in everyday language, skin changes of any kind that are on the cheeks are called a rash on the cheeks. The skin changes must not only be limited to the anatomical area of ​​the cheeks, which extend from the upper jaw to the zygomatic bone, but can also affect other skin areas. In the narrower sense, a skin rash (exanthem) is a generalized sowing of uniform skin changes. This means, for example, that individual reddening of the cheeks, strictly speaking, does not represent a rash. One would only speak of a rash if a large part of the skin is affected. In everyday life, however, the term rash is not understood so precisely, so that almost every skin change is popularly referred to as a rash.

causes

There are many different causes for a rash on the cheeks. A very common cause is the allergic reaction Allergic rashes can be due to various things, such as Food or drug allergies, based. A very common allergic rash that also affects the cheeks occurs as a result of Taking penicillin or amoxicillin. Other causes of a rash on the cheeks are classic Teething problems, how measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, Scarlet fever, Ringlet rubella or the three-day fever. These diseases each show very characteristic rashes that affect not only the cheeks but also affect other parts of the body, and are associated with general symptoms such as fever, cough or a general feeling of illness. A common cause of a rash on the cheeks in adolescence is that Infectious mononucleosis, also Glandular Pfeiffer fever called. Typical is a patchy rash that can affect the entire body and a febrile one Tonsillitis is accompanied.

Other skin diseases that, according to the medical definition, are not rashes, but are nevertheless often referred to as such in the population, are the Rosacea and the acne. Both diseases lead to Pustules, redness and inflammatory nodules in the skinwhich are very often found on the cheeks. An important distinguishing feature of the two diseases are the Comedoneswhich only at the acne occur. In childhood, and especially infancy, a rash on the cheeks can also affect one Neurodermatitis (Atopic Eczema) be due. Severe redness, dry skin and pronounced itching are typical of this skin disorder. In adulthood, the flexors of the arms and legs are more likely to be affected, but the cheeks can also be involved.

Rash on the cheeks from an allergy

Allergic reactions are often expressed in rashes, which are also called allergic rash are designated. These rashes can affect the cheeks. A common cause of an allergic skin rashthat shows up on the cheeks is one Drug allergy. In principle, any drug can cause such an allergic reaction, but allergies are common Penicillins such as amoxicillin. The drug eruption manifests itself in blotchy rednesswhich can affect the entire skin and are prone to itching.

Food can also cause an allergic rash, which leads to a rash on the cheeks. Common allergens are Nut, soy, shellfish or celery. Allergic contact eczema occurs, for example, through contact with Nickel or fragrances. The cheeks are a commonly affected area because fragrances in cosmetics or perfumes often come into contact with the cheeks. Allergic contact eczema is expressed through Redness, blisters, itching and in the course of a Crust formation and flaking.

diagnosis

The diagnosis of a rash on the cheeks can be made by both a dermatologist and a family doctor. In children, the pediatrician can also determine the cause, for example a childhood disease such as rubella. To find the cause, first of all the exact one Inspection of the cheeks and the entire skin. This allows the rash to be described in more detail and assigned to possible causes.

Inquiring and investigating Concomitant symptoms, how Itching, fever, cough, sore throat or similar, provides further information on the possible cause. In addition, patient data such as Allergies, medication and previous illnesses can be requested. In some cases, further diagnostics, such as a Allergy test or one Blood test, be useful.

Concomitant symptoms

A rash on the cheeks can be accompanied by a wide variety of symptoms. Allergic rashes, such as in the context of a Drug, food, or contact allergy are often accompanied by one itching. Other diseases like that too Neurodermatitis or the measles and Ringlet rubella can be accompanied by itching. General symptoms such as fever and fatigue are typical of infectious diseases in childhood, which include the typical childhood diseases measles, mumps and rubella. Sometimes there are special symptoms like one Tonsillitis or cough added. The symptoms that accompany a rash on the cheeks vary widely and depend on which disease is responsible for the rash.

Cheek and neck

A common cause of a rash on the cheeks, which also affects the neck, is Neurodermatitis (Atopic Eczema). This rash, which is characterized by dry, flaky, and reddened areas of skin, often goes with one excruciating itching hand in hand. The skin on the neck is particularly sensitive and therefore the rash there is very annoying. Mechanical stress through tight clothing in this area, for example by wearing turtleneck sweaters or tight shirts, intensify the itching additionally. Other diseases or allergies can also lead to a rash on the cheeks and neck. Basically, any disease that causes a rash on the cheeks can affect the neck.

Cheek and nose

A classic example of a rash that affects both the cheeks and nose is that Rosacea. Although this skin disease is not referred to as a rash in the medical sense, the skin changes that result from this disease are popularly viewed as a rash. Redness of the cheeks as well as pustules and nodules are typical skin changes in rosacea. In the advanced stages of the disease, the nose is also affected, especially in men. A so-called arises Rhinophymathat through a bulbous and nodular enlargement of the nose is marked.

Treatment / therapy

Treatment for a rash on the cheeks is decided after the cause of the rash is identified. Allergic rashes can for example with active ingredients like Cortisone or antihistamines be treated. In addition, avoidance of the substance that triggered the allergy is in the foreground. Diseases like that Atopic dermatitis, acne or rosacea however require a special therapythat is adapted to both the disease and the severity and extent of the disease. In the Neurodermatitis come different Basic care products, Cortisone preparations and even Antibiotics used therapeutically.

The Rosacea however, depending on the stage, the Antibiotics metronidazole or tetracyclines treated. Also the active ingredient Isotrentinoin used here. Diseases like that infectious mononucleosis, the rubella or that Three-day fever receive no special therapy and will usually treated symptomatically only. Febrile and pain relievers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are in the foreground here.

Rash on the cheeks in the baby

Already in Infancy A rash may appear on the cheeks. There can be various causes behind this. These are common causes Infant seborrheic eczema and the Cradle capwhich both are often confused with each other. The seborrheic infant eczema, also popularly known as Head gneiss occurs within the first three months of life and is identified by yellow, greasy, clinging scales. They show up mainly on the hairy scalp, but can also affect the cheeks, forehead and nose. The disease usually heals without any consequences after a few months and is not a cause for concern.

Of the Cradle cap is a early form of neurodermatitis in infancy and kick usually after the first three months of life on. In contrast to infant seborrheic eczema, the cheeks are very often affected and show one severe itching. Very itchy nodules and blisters, which look like burnt milk, dominate the skin. Ultimately it is Baby acne a common cause of a rash on the cheeks in babies. It is also known as Acne neonatorum and is due to natural hormonal adjustment processes. The smallest pustules and redness are found mainly on the baby's cheeks and forehead. Baby acne occurs in the first few weeks of life and does not require any special therapy, since it usually evaporates again by itself. That’s the one Acne infantum that occurs in babies between the ages of 6 and 16 months. This must be treated to prevent scarring.