Allergic reactions on your face

A swollen face, mouth and throat, breathing difficulties and low blood pressure or slow heart rate could be signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. This is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction affecting your whole body and needs immediate medical attention.

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS)

The word oral is the clue to this cross-reaction, also known as pollen food syndrome (PFS) and pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS). Some people with hay fever get a mild tingling sensation in their mouth, throat and face when they eat a particular food. It happens because the protein in a type of fresh fruit, vegetable or nut is similar to the protein in that pollen. OAS is more often seen among people who react to birch, grass and ragweed pollen.

Other types of allergic reactions on your face

We’ve already talked about one type of dermatitis or eczema which can affect the face and is caused by allergy. Here are two more:

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of childhood eczema. There’s not one single trigger, although it can be linked to dust mite and pet allergies.

Instead, it’s thought to relate to an overactive immune system, a history of allergies in your family, environmental factors and emotional triggers such as stress. Eczema often affects the face and children can be left with sensitive skin for life.

Signs and symptoms of atopic eczema include:

Mouth

Periorificial (or perioral) dermatitis is a relatively common rash that causes acne-like bumps around the mouth on contact with an allergen like toothpaste. It can also affect the eyes or nose. Periorificial dermatitis is more common in lighter-skinned, young to middle-aged women. It’s also seen in children.

The mouth is also a potential hot spot for food allergy symptoms like hives and angioedema. Also for oral allergy syndrome (OAS).

Cheeks

The cheeks are one of the first parts of the body to be affected by eczema. It usually happens within a few months of being born.

Ears and eyebrows

The creases of the ears and eyebrows are common spots for seborrheic eczema. The dry, scaly skin may look just like dandruff.

You could try symptom-relieving medication too. Speak to your healthcare provider about your options.

Antihistamine tablets and 1% (or less) topical corticosteroids are both available over-the-counter and may help very itchy skin. If your face doesn’t clear up you may need a prescription for oral steroids or a stronger topical corticosteroid. Anti-yeast ointment or cream can help manage seborrheic dermatitis, with or without a mild topical corticosteroid.

Summary

An allergic reaction on the face could be one of the first signs of allergy. It can be difficult to know exactly what’s causing the symptoms. Allergy testing may be able to identify the trigger. Sometimes it's due to food or drug allergies. The eyelids are a common sore spot but an allergic reaction can affect any part of the face. Avoiding your allergen should reduce flares, while antihistamines or corticosteroids can relieve symptoms. And don’t forget to moisturize regularly with an allergy-friendly emollient.