Red raised patches on cheek

[thumpurr]

Every 6-8 weeks my cheek breaks out in this rash.  I notice that at first it is just a little red bump.  In a matter or a day or two it is a rather large raised red area that sometimes itches.  Usually about a week into the whole ordeal my other cheek will do the exact same thing.  This has been going on now for months.  I go to the doctor and they don't know what it is.  It usually lasts for about 2 weeks and then it disappears and returns again in about 6-8 weeks.

I am 40 years old and generally I do not have skin problems.  I have tried everything I can think to make it go away and nothing works.  It effects my confidence and it looks terrible.

Please help.  Really tired of looking like a freak!

[kryyy]

please tell me if you figure out what it is.  because I had a bump on my face, scratched it and it turned into a raised itchy area like you said. could be the same thing

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to eczema, contact dermatitis or hives. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used, whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid which is available under prescription.

For the itching take some antihistaminic like Benadryl. If the symptoms persist then get an evaluation done from a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.