Beauty

[ccassaday]

It is probably just a virus but I would see a doctor. My nephew just had what they called slap face and he would get a red rash when he got hot from playing. His sister seems to have it on her face now.

[rhinovodka]

Definitely see a doctor asap. Could be multiple things causing it. If you want some instant relief, get some hydrocortisone cream.

[stevieb]

Unless you're allergic, I'd try a benadryl (pill or capsule) and apply benadryl ointment at the same time. If it doesn't show fairly quick marked improvement, you probably need a prescription.

[CDN2]

Maybe ""5th disease"" sometimes called the slapped face rash

[LBandS]

This is not the time to try to be your own doctor!

This could be nothing or it could be a sign of something not so good.

If you have a derm, make an appointment today (or Monday).

If no derm, make it with your PCP.

If you have insurance find some doc even if it is a walk-in urgent care situation (if you can't get an appointment in the next 3 weeks, immediately if it gets worse in any way).

All else fails, go to a public clinic and get it looked at by an MD, DO, NP or PA. If it is nothing you will have peace of mind, if it is something that needs attention, you will have started the process.

If I were in your position I would not apply a steroid cream, anti-fungal, or anything except maybe an OTC antibiotic, and then in 1 place only and wait 24 hours before repeating so you will have time to see if you have a delayed positive or negative reaction.

[maestra]

Please note that shingles can manifest itself w/a rash; you do not have to be a certain age to develop this if you have had chicken pox in the past. My brother experienced this in his 30's. I went and had the shingles vaccine prior to beginning chemo 18 months ago.

[RedTop]

My suggestion is to take Benadryl for 24 hours to see if this reduces the inflammation. If it does not have an effect on the rash, then my suggestion is to see your doctor on the possibility this is shingles. MOST people who have shingles, have the tiny blisters within the rash, and complain more about the burning, itching, and general pain, but I have known people who have much milder cases they described more as an annoying rash, but did in fact have shingles. If Benadryl doesn't do anything within 24 hours, then I would see my doctor.

[ccassaday]

Shingles I dont think would spread like that and it is so painful. I have had it and wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy. I had a spot on my forearm. My hand was swollen like a softball and I was so sick.

[ccassaday]

If it is shinles though the most modern med out to cure it wont help if you dont start it within 72 hours.

[anniebear]

Go see a medical professional for a proper diagnosis. If something is wrong for "weeks" and is getting worse, you need to know what you are dealing with in order to know how to make it go away. Coming here to get random suggestions from people who haven't even seen the rash and are not qualified to diagnose what is going on is just not going to be helpful.