“Saving face” is a term associated with preventing a loss of dignity or self-esteem. The phrase may or may not have something to do with the feelings many people with facial problems endure on a regular basis. Many of these problems are congenital, meaning that the individual was born with them, or they can be hereditary. But for the most part, they can be treated in ways that prevent patients from being ostracized by the unknowing public.

Herpes zoster, or shingles, is an example of a common skin disorder that can be painful but easily treated. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an episode of chickenpox, the virus becomes dormant in the body. Herpes zoster occurs as a result of the virus re-emerging after many years. The cause of the re-activation is usually unknown, but seems to be linked to aging, stress or an impaired immune system. Often only one attack occurs, without recurrence.

The typical rash appears in 2 to 3 days, after the virus has reached the skin. It consists of red patches of skin with small blisters (vesicles) that look very similar to early chickenpox. The rash often increases over the next 3 to 5 days. Then, the blisters break forming small ulcers that begin to dry and form crusts. The crusts fall off in 2 to 3 weeks, leaving behind pink healing skin.

Lesions typically appear along a single dermatome (the body area served by a single spinal nerve) and are only on one side of the body (unilateral). The trunk is most often affected, showing a rectangular belt of rash from the spine around one side of the chest to the breastbone (sternum).

Lesions may also occur on the neck or face, particularly along the trigeminal nerve in the face. The trigeminal has three branches that go to the forehead, the mid-face, and the lower face. Which branch is involved determines where on the face the skin lesions will be. Trigeminal nerve involvement may include lesions in the mouth or eye. Eye lesions may lead to permanent blindness if not treated with emergency medical care.

Herpes zoster usually resolves spontaneously, and may not require treatment except for symptomatic relief, such as pain medication. Cool wet compresses can be used to reduce pain. Soothing baths and lotions, such as colloidal oatmeal bath, starch baths, or lotions and calamine lotion, may help to relieve itching and discomfort.

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition often resulting in redness of the face. Its characteristics — red nose, flushed cheeks, and small, red, pus-filled bumps or pustules — may be mistaken for acne. In fact, rosacea is also known as adult acne or acne rosacea, but in reality it has little to do with the pimples and blackheads that commonly afflict teenagers. Although some people with rosacea have had significant acne as teenagers, the cause of rosecea is unknown.