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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Chronic Skin Problem
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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Chronic Skin Problem
by jyu, Jan 23, 2007 12:00AM
Once or twice a month, an area of my face (always the same area, slightly to the right of my nose and under my right eye) will become red and itchy. This blotch starts off about the same size as a quarter. Minutes later, a hard bump will forum in the middle of the blotch. The bump is pale in comparison to the red blotch surrounding it and is as big as the perforations in 3 hold punched paper. Occasionally, the blotch and the bump will increase in size. Within two hours, both will disappear. My skin has always been pale and does not get afflicted with acne often. I am a male, 23 year old, with east Asian ethnic roots. The problem has stuck with me for the last 2 years and with increasing regularity as of late. I have also been using retin-A for two years but have recently stopped because of this condition. Yet the blotch continues to show up. What is wrong with me? These are not insect bites since it is at the exact same area. I have asked this question to numerous dermatologists to no avail. Since the bump simply retracts without leaving a scar, it hard to diagnose. Help?!?!?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jan 24, 2007 12:00AM
, Jan 24, 2007 12:00AM
I'm sorry, but I don't know. It isn't acne, because acne wouldn't go away completely in 2 hours. Neither would a bite. It can't be anything serious, that's for sure--again, because it goes away. But I haven't seen or read about anything that behaves as you describe. If you rub it when it itches, you should avoid that, because rubbing can release histamine and produce a small wheal (hive), so maybe that's part of it. I suggest you get a good-quality photo of the spot at its peak and show it to a dermatologist, since the spot is unlikely to be in full bloom when you go for a visit.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
