Cause of small red facial blotches

It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact cause of your facial red blotches without a description of more detailed and specific symptoms. You will need to explain your symptoms and conditions in depth for a better diagnosis of your condition. In many cases, minor red blotches may go away without medical intervention; however, if the red blotches are showing no sign of going away, it is a cause for concern. It is advisable that you visit a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. However, reading your question, three possible causes come to mind – the blotches on your face could either be a case of rosacea, sunburn or an facial allergy. Rosacea is a skin condition that affects mostly adults of European descent. In this case, the affected person experiences redness or inflammation of skin along with many small pus-filled pustules around the face, neck, nose cheek, and forehead. The exact cause of rosacea is not very clear, but is found to be strongly linked with heredity. However, since you have not mentioned stinging or burning sensation as symptoms, yours is less likely to be a case of rosacea.

The second option – sunburn – seems more likely to the cause of these red blotches on your face. You probably have had too much exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. To avoid sunburn you should always use protective clothing while going out in the sun. You should also wear a sunscreen lotion with appropriate sun protection factor (SPF, denoted by a number) to protect your skin from direct sunlight. If the red blotches on your skin are due to some allergy, which is again quite likely, you should try and find out the allergen responsible for triggering this allergy. Meanwhile, you should avoid strong soaps or detergents, cosmetics, and any other substances that may seem to be a potential allergen. Irrespective of what has caused the red blotches, here are a few home remedies you can try out.

• Use a cold compress: Apply an ice pack on the face to soothe the red blotches. You can also soak a towel in cold water and press it on your face.
• Use oatmeal paste: Mix oatmeal powder in warm water and make a paste. Apply this paste on your face to reduce the blotchy look of your face.
• Use natural cleansers: Use aloe vera gel and tea tree extract as cleansers. They will cleanse the skin and also provide essential nutrients to the skin.

answered by G M

Red blotches on the skin can be due to any number of problems, and it is difficult, if not impossible to provide a diagnosis without actually examining the skin personally. You should visit your doctor for a check up, and if necessary visit a dermatologist. One possibility is a condition known as rosacea. The condition mostly affects white skinned people, and results in the skin on the face turning red. Sometimes there may also be burning and stinging, and the skin may break out into something similar to pimples. It is not very well understood how and why the condition develops, but direct causes of the redness and stinging include sunlight, cold wind, sudden temperature changes, coffee, alcohol, and spices. There are a number of treatments available, but you will have to find out what works for you.

Another possibility is that you are simply experiencing an allergic reaction. Try to note whether any particular food, drugs, or environmental factors trigger the appearance of the red blotches on your face. If you find some link, then you should avoid whatever it is that is causing the blotches. Meanwhile, avoid scratching your face even if it itches. You can instead apply a cold compress to your face. This will also take care of any stinging and burning or pain that might exist.

answered by M W