Clogged Pores?

Posted by Jody on July 31, 1999 at 12:17:33
Hi.  I'm wondering about a skin condition I noticed on myself several months ago.  I noticed in the mirror that on the back of my shoulders, in the light, I have quite a few small white bumps scattered about.  There's not extremely bumpy, only slightly raised, and look like extremely small, light colored spots.  It couldn't possibly be an allergic reaction to something because I noticed it months ago and forgot about it, and it doesn't itch and I've have allergic rashes before and they didn't look like this.  And besides, I've used different shampoos, detergents, and soaps since first noticing it, and I caught a glimpse of it again the other day and realized that it hasn't changed at all.  And it's only on the backs of my shoulders as far as I can tell.  Could it be clogged pores?  My mother doesn't think it looks like clogged pores, she thinks it does look like some kind of reaction rash, but like I said I really doubt it.
What could this be?

Posted by Jody on July 31, 1999 at 12:21:38
I just want to add that these small white bumps ARE NOT whiteheads.  They have the appearance of extremely small, whitish hives (but I don't think they are hives.)
Posted by Derm M.D. ASR on August 01, 1999 at 00:17:48
Jody:
What you describe is something we see on the backs of people who used to have acne but don't anymore.  It's left over from acne, and there isn't much to do about it.  It certainly doesn't sound like any sprt of reaction.  My guess, though I can't prove it, is that you've had it for some time, but it took the right circumstances and light to see it.
Best.
Dr. R
keywords: acne, whiteheads, Rockoff
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