Turn the other cheek to find the diagnosis

This rash was only present on one side of the face. Whenever that situation arises, consider a fungal infection, more so if the rash has been there for some time. Most other skin diseases involving the face, especially if chronic, would be bilateral.

However, this rash does not look fungal. It has no scale and there are a few pustules visible. This is because the rash is a steroid modified tinea, where the topical steroid cream has reduced the scale. Pustules developed when the topical steroids were stopped after the patient was admitted to hospital for an unrelated condition. His immune system then started to react to the fungus, causing the pustules. 

This condition is sometimes called tinea incognito for obvious reasons. 

Log on to www.skinconsult.com.au for further images.