Rash on left cheek (English)

Acne (acne) in adolescents is considered normal and after the formation of hormonal levels, they disappear. However, in some patients, and more often in women, acne may appear at a later age. Doctors see the main reasons for this in high levels of male hormones or their excessive activity, as well as in a certain type of work of the sebaceous glands. And if in adolescents acne vulgaris appears mainly in the area of the nose, chin and forehead, then at a later age acne is localized on the cheeks. The rash may disappear on its own or be permanent.

Types of rashes

Pimples on the cheeks can represent various elements:

comedones;
papules (cavitated tubercle);
pustules (abscess);
cysts;
nodes.

These can be single elements or multiple rashes merging with each other. Most often, acne appears on the cheeks and chin in the form of comedones and papulopustular rash. Less common is the severe form of cystic nodular acne.

Hormones as one of the causes of acne on the cheeks

The skin is a target organ for many hormones. Therefore, when acne appears on the cheeks of women, their cause is primarily associated with a pathological hormonal state caused by a number of diseases.

Acne appears when 4 factors are triggered:

sebaceous glands secrete excessive amounts of sebum;
the cells lining the ducts of the hair follicle begin to actively grow and die;
bacteria penetrate;
inflammation begins.

Estrogens are hormones that suppress sebum secretion. Androgens, especially testosterone and dehydrotestosterone, have a strong effect and stimulate the function of the sebaceous glands.

The female reproductive and endocrine glands are the main sources of androgens (male hormones) in a girl’s body. A small proportion is also formed in adipose tissue and liver. Hormones increase the activity of the sebaceous glands, accelerate the exfoliation of epithelial cells and thereby contribute to the formation of non-inflammatory elements. When bacteria enters this area, an inflammatory process begins.

There are many reasons why androgen levels increase:

in girls at the end of puberty (considered a physiological norm);
polycystic ovary syndrome;
congenital disorder of the adrenal cortex;
tumor changes in the ovaries and adrenal glands;
diabetes;
pathologies of the thyroid gland;
increase in body weight due to adipose tissue.

When pimples appear on the cheeks of girls, the reasons are associated with an increase in the amount of male hormones, then they are accompanied by other symptoms:

menstrual irregularities;
hair loss on the head;
weight gain;
Excessive male pattern facial hair growth.

In addition to diseases that cause an increase in androgen levels, when acne appears on the cheeks, the causes may be associated with even minor changes in the endocrine balance. Thus, acne on the cheeks may appear before menstruation, be a consequence of taking contraceptives or stopping their use and the use of anabolic steroids.

In half of the cases, the causes are associated with a hereditary predisposition to acne. It is noted that if the older generation in the family had this dermatological disease, in 70-80% of cases it will be inherited.

Cosmetical tools

The use of comedogenic cosmetics is another reason why acne on the cheeks can get worse and not go away for a long time. Long-term use of fatty creams, which contain, for example, isopropyl myristate, is a common cause of cosmetic acne in the form of comedones. When purchasing skincare products, you should opt for products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic”

Moderate sun exposure has a disinfecting effect on the skin and dries out purulent rashes. However, excessive abuse of ultraviolet radiation (on the beach, in the solarium) has the opposite effect. The top layer of skin dries out, which acts as a signal to the sebaceous glands, and they begin to intensively produce secretions. Therefore, prolonged sun exposure provokes an exacerbation of existing acne and the appearance of new ones.

Stressful situations

It has been noted that women exposed to stress are more likely to suffer from acne. Stress is a trigger. Through nerve endings, it influences the production of neuropeptides, which in turn stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. People suffering from acne have a greater number of nerve endings and more nerve fibers.

Nutrition and habits

Foods high in carbohydrates can increase the concentration of insulin in the blood. Insulin, in turn, increases androgen levels. The result of this connection is an increase in sebum production and acne.

If you already have rashes, excessive consumption of seafood, as well as foods high in iodine and bromine, can aggravate the situation.

Diet for acne is considered one of the links in complex therapy. You should include foods rich in fiber, Omega-3 acid, and vitamins A, C, and E into your diet.

One of the factors contributing to the appearance of acne is the habit of smoking. Nicotine reduces vitamin E concentrations and increases sebum production.

Acne as a sign of internal diseases

Eastern medicine still uses a technique according to which if there are problems with some internal organ, this is reflected in the condition of the skin in a certain area. So if acne appears on the right cheek, then the person has problems with the right lung, if acne appears on the left cheek, then it means the person has problems with the left. If the area of rashes is limited to the upper part of the cheeks, on the cheekbones, you should check the stomach. Of course, this technique is not a basis for making a diagnosis, but it can serve as a reason for conducting an examination of internal organs.

Principles of treatment

Before getting rid of acne on the cheeks, you should find out the causes of its appearance. To do this, you may need to undergo a hormonal profile study, take an insulin test, a dexamethasone test (for adrenal hormones), and a glucose tolerance test (for diabetes). Take a blood test to examine your liver and kidneys. In some cases, scraping is necessary to rule out demodicosis and folliculitis. Undergo a gynecological examination.

Hormone therapy

Acne associated with hormonal disorders should be treated under the supervision of a gynecologist and dermatovenerologist. Treatment begins with restoring hormonal levels and eliminating the causes that provoked its failure. At the same time, the dermatologist evaluates skin problems and prescribes local remedies.

If the area affected by acne is extensive, Spironolactone can be taken. It is a diuretic that can suppress androgens and thus help reduce the secretion of the sebaceous glands. The same drug is prescribed as a therapeutic agent for premenstrual syndrome.

The drug of choice is combined oral contraceptives, the effect of which is achieved in 70-100% of cases. These are such products as Diane 35, Yarina, Novinet, Janine, Regulon. Contraceptives are prescribed mainly between the ages of 20 and 40 to women for whom treatment with local drugs has not produced results. This treatment is also indicated for pustular elements concentrated in the lower part of the face, on the cheeks and on the neck.

At the same time, a noticeable improvement in skin condition is observed in women only after 3-4 months of taking contraceptives. In severe cases, therapy can reach 9 months or even a year. There are also side effects from this treatment. They can manifest as nausea and engorgement of the mammary glands. Such side effects in most cases disappear on their own within 1-2 months after the start of treatment. The most serious negative effect is a change in the condition of the blood, it becomes more viscous. For this reason, oral contraceptives are not prescribed to women with varicose veins, hypertension, and heavy smokers after the age of 35.

When acne appears during menopause, it is accompanied by symptoms of menopause such as insomnia, mood swings, sweating, and manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia. In this case, therapy is prescribed, the purpose of which is to stimulate the hormonal function of the ovaries. Drugs such as Climodien, Klimen, Angelique compensate for the lack of estrogen in the body and have a positive effect on the condition of the skin.

The place of antibiotics in acne treatment

Treatment of acne in women is rarely carried out with antibacterial drugs. Only with multiple inflammatory elements is it possible to prescribe them. One of the antibiotics used in therapy is Unidox Solutab. Other antibiotics (tetracycline, erythromycin, clindomycin, minocycline) are prescribed in long courses of up to 6 months. However, such prolonged treatment often leads to dysbiosis of the skin and intestines. Therefore, antibiotics are used in extreme cases when other drugs do not have a therapeutic effect.

Local remedies

Preference in acne treatment is given to local remedies:

If most of the rashes are comedones, it is recommended to use Skinoren gel, Differin (cream, gel).
For pustular elements, Baziron AS and Dalatsin are more effective.
Ichthyol ointment is used to quickly resolve ulcers.

The girls' need for cosmetic care and their reluctance to get redness and irritation during treatment are taken into account. A special need for soothing cosmetic products can be seen during treatment with Baziron and Differin. Since drugs often cause dermatitis, medicinal cosmetics are a mandatory addition to therapy:

Apezak emulsion helps with irritation.
Gifak plus gel is recommended for cleansing.
To resolve large formations, patches are produced - special plasters.
For a large number of comedones, it is recommended to use aloe juice and citric acid-based gels. They soften plugs and help cleanse pores.

Local retinoids (Tretinoin, Retinol) are prescribed. Retinoids remain one of the most effective groups of medications against comedones. The active substances of retinoids relieve inflammation, reduce the level of secretion of the sebaceous glands, prevent clogging of follicles, and have an antioxidant effect. For women, taking retinoids is also an opportunity to reduce the depth of age wrinkles and their number.

Home care: recommendations and rules

The skin of women suffering from acne is dehydrated and more sensitive. This is due to the use of alcohol-containing products during the treatment of acne in youth and to the natural processes of age-related skin aging. Therefore, daily care for problem skin is an integral part of comprehensive treatment. It is not only aimed at treating acne, but also at eliminating dehydration, skin aging, pigmentation, and rosacea.

At home, it is important to follow simple rules:

Wash with gentle cleansers with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Products with sulfur and salicylic acid (2%) are effective.
Try not to use scrubs and astringents during acne treatment. These products can irritate the skin and worsen the course of the disease.
Use lotions with salicylic and glycolic acids. They remove excess fat from the skin and prevent the development of hyperkeratosis.
Use a light moisturizer to prevent dry skin.
Use water-based sunscreens and sprays.

Very often, when acne occurs on the cheeks of women, the cause lies in a malfunction of the endocrine system. Therefore, acne treatment should be carried out by several doctors: a dermatologist, gynecologist, endocrinologist and cosmetologist. Acne is a chronic disease and only an integrated approach to treatment will significantly increase the period of remission. The use of cosmetics makes it possible to reduce treatment time and drug doses, and also provides the necessary care for skin that has undergone age-related changes.

Let's understand the reasons for the appearance of pimples on the cheeks in order to find ways to avoid this trouble. At the same time, we work on mistakes and choose the right cosmetics for prevention.

Causes of acne on the cheeks
Basic diagnostic methods
Proper nutrition to fight acne
What does the appearance of acne mean?
Cosmetics against acne on the cheeks
Cosmetological methods
Preventing acne on the cheeks

Causes of acne on the cheeks

It is known that acne appears due to the overly active work of the sebaceous glands: excess sebum, together with dead cells, clog the sebaceous ducts, forming a plug - an ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria. In general, the male sex hormones testosterone and dehydrotestosterone are responsible for excess sebum production, and therefore blackheads and acne.

Those with oily skin need to be on their guard © iStock

There are other factors that cause pimples. They should be taken into account by those with oily skin who are at risk due to the natural activity of the sebaceous glands.

It has been established that some products make the sebaceous glands work more actively and, if abused, can turn simply oily skin into problem skin.

Food allergies and carbohydrate metabolism disorders may well give rise to inflammatory processes in the skin.

Stress reduces skin immunity, and in oily types it provokes a surge in the activity of the sebaceous glands. More sebum means more chance of inflammation.

Extreme heat and humidity cause the sebaceous glands to work even harder. Sweat mixed with sebum, cosmetics and dust is an ideal environment for pimples to appear.

Improper skin care

Illiterate use of cosmetics, for example, aggressive cleansers or too greasy creams that do not match the type and condition of the skin, will throw it out of balance. The skin may respond with inflammation.

No, we are not talking about tobacco and alcohol, but about simple actions that we perform every day, not suspecting that they can cause pimples, in particular on the cheeks. Details below.

Basic diagnostic methods

Before you find 10 mistakes in your relationship with your skin, make sure that pimples on your cheeks are not the result of health problems. To do this, you will need to be examined by a doctor and take several tests.

Hormone analysis. In most cases, hormonal imbalance is to blame for acne. If acne bothers you more and more often, get tested and act according to its results and the endocrinologist’s prescriptions.

General and biochemical blood test. It will help identify the presence of an inflammatory process, as well as a lack of vitamins and minerals.

Food allergy testing. If the body does not accept certain foods, they can be a constant cause of inflammation.

Proper nutrition to fight acne

Sweets, flour and milk provoke acne © iStock

Fast food and trans fats are not good for the body as a whole - this is an established fact. But the direct relationship between food and acne continues to be debated. Those who are sure that such an addiction exists are urged to stay away from a number of products.

Products made from white flour and sugar with a high glycemic index provoke the release of insulin, a hormone controlled by testosterone.

Milk. It may contain hormones and growth factors that affect the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

What does the appearance of acne mean?

There is a theory according to which the location of acne can determine problems in the functioning of certain internal organs. Thus, it is believed that pimples on the cheeks (right or left) indicate problems with the lungs, right and left, respectively. But while there is no evidence, we will leave this question to the doctors of alternative medicine.

Touching your face with your hands

The bearded meme “straighten your back and take your left hand away from your face” should be declared the main acne prevention measure. Just remember: you can only touch your face with clean, washed hands. And it’s better not to touch it at all.

If you want to understand the cause of acne on your cheeks, analyze your own habits © iStock

Be lazy to wash your face

Drying your face with a towel

It sounds strange, but it's true: if you don't change your face towel every single day, prepare to lose the fight against acne on your cheeks. After all, a wet towel is a breeding ground for bacteria. The only advice here is to use disposable paper napkins instead.

Swap your towel for disposable wipes © iStock

Using makeup brushes

Pressing your mobile phone to your cheek

There's no need to cut back on your phone time, just keep in mind that your device's screen is far from sterile. Try to keep it clean, and for communication, use voice messages or a special headset that will allow you to keep your mobile phone away from your face.

Cosmetics against acne on the cheeks

When caring for skin with pimples, use cosmetics with sebum-regulating, exfoliating and anti-inflammatory effects. Plus, you will need products for deep cleansing of pores, exfoliation of dead cells and urgent elimination of rashes (local SOS products).

Gels and foams for washing

Clean skin prone to rashes twice a day using foams and gels. Look for acids in the composition that will delicately remove dead cells. Avoid alkali and soap, which can disrupt the protective barrier of the epidermis and increase sebum secretion.

The formula with salicylic acid allows you to intensively cleanse your skin while massaging it with soft synthetic bristles.

Cleansing foaming gel for oily acne-prone skin, Effaclar Gel, La Roche-Posay

Gently cleanses, contains components with antibacterial action.

The product with salicylic acid and charcoal absorbs excess sebum and helps fight breakouts.

Masks

The product with three types of natural clay and eucalyptus reduces sebum secretion and skin imperfections.

In addition to absorbent kaolin clay, it contains sugar cane extract for comfortable exfoliation, chamomile extracts for disinfection and relief of irritation, orange and lemon for moisturizing and freshening the skin.

Scrubs

Fruit acids and apricot kernel powder in the composition delicately remove dead skin cells, making the skin smooth and radiant.

Salicylic acid and exfoliating microparticles help even out the tone and texture of facial skin, absorbent charcoal cleanses pores, and blueberry extract helps tighten them, refreshes and saturates the skin with antioxidants.

Local SOS tools

Contains salicylic acid, cinnamon, ginger and witch hazel extracts. Exfoliates and mattifies the skin.

Local corrective agent Effaclar A. I., La Roche-Posay

The formula with lipohydroxy acid and niacinamide has an anti-inflammatory effect and accelerates the elimination of imperfections.

Cosmetological methods

Salon treatments for acne-prone skin are aimed primarily at cleansing and reducing sebum secretion.

Vacuum, ultrasound, mechanical - all of them are aimed directly at removing comedones and pustules. Subsequent masks and care reduce oiliness and tighten pores.

Chemical acid peeling is recommended for oily skin because it reduces breakouts and shine.

The combination of alkaline solutions and galvanic current deeply cleanses pores, improves microcirculation and has a beneficial effect on acne-prone skin.

Preventing acne on the cheeks

When choosing products for day and night care, look for the “non-comedogenic” label, avoid greasy and oily textures, and carefully study the lines addressed to oily skin. Acids and renewing ingredients in the composition are your allies.

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The most common reasons why a rash appears on the cheeks of an adult:

hormonal changes (most often occur in women during pregnancy, taking hormonal medications, diseases of the endocrine system, PMS);
bacterial infection (unhindered proliferation of introduced microorganisms due to a decrease in the skin’s own immune response, due to excessive use of care products, as well as in a state of immunodeficiency);
a sharp response of the body to a stress reaction (a neurological cause that causes individual pinpoint rashes);
photodermatitis caused by taking certain medications or contact with an alkaloid (local allergic skin reaction to ultraviolet radiation or the juice of the hogweed plant);
hypovitaminosis, or, on the contrary, a case of vitamin deficiency;
a sharp increase in skin oiliness when changing hygiene products (soap, lotion), or stopping daily hygiene procedures (the abundance of secretions secreted by the sebaceous glands prevents the ducts from self-cleaning and clogs them);
food poisoning (intoxication can also be caused by a large amount of nicotine, caffeine or alcohol taken the day before);
problems with the functioning of the gallbladder can affect the level of acids in the gastrointestinal tract; familiar but poorly digestible food can act like an allergen;
sexually transmitted disease (the rash usually affects other areas: groin area, armpits, chest, etc.);
local hypothermia (may appear as a rash only after a few hours)
infection with subcutaneous scabies mite (covers primarily areas of the body with thinner skin, transmitted by contact and sexual contact).

Until the cause of the rash is determined, you should not use cosmetics, ointments, lotions, and you should strictly refrain from scratching the skin with your nails!

Skin inflammations are diagnosed based on basic visual signs only after a collected medical history. First, it’s worth finding out whether the patient has a systemic disease (diabetes, lupus, thyroid disease, HIV, etc.). Conditions such as pregnancy, a tendency to allergies, and recently started taking new medications can immediately narrow down the range of causes of the unpleasant phenomenon. In these cases, an allergic reaction is most likely and treatment will be symptomatic, based on the degree of its development. Itching at the site of redness is not necessary, since this is often a secondary, nervous reaction to the changes that have occurred.

It also matters for the doctor: whether in the previous day there was no contact with unusual food, new household items (clothing, mattress), cosmetic products, as well as trips to other countries and contacts with a new sexual partner over the previous two weeks. This allows you to immediately differentiate the nature of the skin reaction as allergic, inflammatory or systemic. Everything has its cause, and more often it is obvious than hidden. Conducting an independent analysis of new objects, food, and contacts will help reduce the time it takes to find it.

The location of the rash is important for diagnosis

The more extensive the rash, the greater the likelihood that the cause lies inside the body: hormonal imbalance, food allergies, or the result of drug intoxication.

The more localized the rashes on the cheeks of an adult are, the more likely it is that the cause is contact dermatitis, that is, local exposure to an allergen, microbes or mite.

The speed of occurrence and development of a skin reaction gives a clear idea of what reason provoked it: the faster the changes visible to the naked eye occur, the greater the likelihood of the allergic nature of the rash.

Most of the redness is localized in the area of the labio-nasal fold; on the forehead and chin; evenly on the cheeks. If the redness appears as a single spot, its most likely cause is contact dermatitis, that is, an allergic reaction to one of the irritants that come into contact with the skin, which can even be such things as:

sunlight;
someone else's sweat;
face cream;
cold air.

If a rash on the cheeks of an adult appears regularly, then the most likely cause is internal hormonal changes and gastrointestinal diseases.

Allergic rashes that rapidly develop against the background of fever, shortness of breath, rhinitis and tumors of the mucous membranes require immediate medical attention. In cases where it is not possible to quickly provide it, ice compresses, wet towel wraps, cold showers, and oral antiallergic medications are used.

Appearance of changes

Single modifications that make up the rash on the face are characterized by a primary appearance and condition, which, depending on the circumstances (development or suppression of the main process), can go into the secondary phase. Also, the presence of redness in other parts of the body plays an important role in diagnosis, which can sometimes be a sign of such a complex and difficult-to-treat disease as psoriasis.

Primary fragments of the rash come in the form of:

tubercle (swelling with redness, but without internal contents);
blister (swelling with a whitish top, without contents and often itches);
nodule (dense redness with varying degrees of occurrence under the skin, but without content);
vesicle (swelling with liquid serous contents);
pustule (superficial and underlying elements with purulent contents).

Secondary changes

If a rash occurs on the cheeks, then in the future it may acquire signs of secondary skin changes:

depigmentation or hyperpigmentation (disappearance of skin pigment or appearance of excess);
lichenification (intense skin pattern, dryness, pink tint, itching, sometimes abrasions and crusts);
cracks (tears in the top layer of skin due to loss of elasticity, dryness);
scabs (dried pustules, their contents and upper crust);
scales (small scattered dry particles of skin, diamond-shaped plates, gray, sometimes white, brown or yellow).

The transition from one form to another, an increase in their number and the occurrence of additional symptoms is a reason to immediately contact a dermatologist.

To avoid the rash

In order to ensure that unpleasant surprises arise as rarely as possible, you should be careful when using new cosmetics and procedures, unusual food products, clothing and bedding - everything that has direct contact with the skin of the face.

In addition, you should refrain from overusing:

confectionery (especially chocolate) products;
salty foods (marinades);
citrus fruits (tangerines, oranges);
honey;
eggs;
alcohol (especially with various natural additives);
smoking.

Hygiene procedures should be carried out daily and the same type of skin care product should be used.

Successfully getting rid of a rash on the face caused by a chronic disease is impossible without a systematic approach to treating the cause.

Rash on left cheek