Suggest Treatment For Red Itchy Painful Rashes On Jawline

Posted on Wed, 20 Jan 2016

Question: My friend started to get a rash on one side of her face along the jaw line. It's red, itchy and painful. She got into a public swimming pool last night that had a ton of chlorine in it. Upon waking up today it is now quite a bit worse. One side of her face is now swollen and very red, seeping clear liquid, shooting pain, hot to the touch and itchy. It's not blistering like shingles and she also has what appears to look like hives on neck and both forarms kind of in small clusters. What can we do? I can upload a photo if necessary. Thanks, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Bacterial skin infection of the face (cellulitis);send her to ER...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

I am sorry for the situation your friend is in.

From what you are describing and the photo you provided, the rash is due to skin infection (cellulitis). It is caused by bacteria. She needs to take oral antibiotics; keep the area well clean. Apply cold compresses locally. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help.

Get her immediately checked by a doctor; send her to ER for immediate evaluation and treatment.
Allergy is also to consider and properly treated.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar