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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Bumps on the chin
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Bumps on the chin
by xmyheart93, Oct 25, 2006 12:00AM
Hi. I've had what I'll describe as small, uncolored bumps on my chin for about 2 years. Recently they are appearing around the base of my nose, the bridge of my nose, and by my temples. My GP refered me to a dermatologist who thought they looked like "tumors" of some sort. He did a biopsy and afterwards said that they were what I understood to be pockets of oil under the skin. He put me on Retin-A Micro for about 6 weeks, which did nothing. Next he gave me the option of Acutane or laser treatment. He seemed to thing that the laser treatment would do the best. It didn't help at all, in fact it seemed to make my face worse. I had no dryness or peeling after the treatment. My skin seemed more oily. Now my face is covered with acne as well and really sore. Also, I don't know if this is related or not, but I seem to get boils very easily anywhere that I sweat. It doesn't matter how many times a day I bathe or shower I still get them. I'm in my mid 30's and feel like I'm still going through puberty. If you know what this is I'll be extremely grateful. I can send a picture, I just don't know where to send it. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Oct 26, 2006 12:00AM
, Oct 26, 2006 12:00AM
The biopsy results you mention seem to confirm what I might have guessed: that these bumps are actually oil glands. To be honest, I don;t think there is much you can do about them. Surgery, such as laser peeling, usually doesn't work. Accutane may just possibly shrink them for a time, but that improvement is unlikely to last, since oil glands return to functioning after the drug is stopped. That's just my impression without having see you.
As to your face being covered with actual acne, that's a different story. If you even pick or scratch at the spots, you ought to stop. In any case, however, you'll need acne treatment, which may include external or internal antibiotics or even Accutane.
Boils on the body are another matter still. They are often caused by staph germs and have no direct relationship with acne.
Basically, you need a dermatologist to evaluate all these problems in person. If your current dermatologist has run out of ideas, you may want to consider getting another opinion.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
As to your face being covered with actual acne, that's a different story. If you even pick or scratch at the spots, you ought to stop. In any case, however, you'll need acne treatment, which may include external or internal antibiotics or even Accutane.
Boils on the body are another matter still. They are often caused by staph germs and have no direct relationship with acne.
Basically, you need a dermatologist to evaluate all these problems in person. If your current dermatologist has run out of ideas, you may want to consider getting another opinion.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Dr. Rockoff
Ask your Dr about it.