Face rash/bumps after travel? No idea that's why I'm here lol.

Hi guys!

New to this forum and really loving the support you're all giving. Speaking of support, I really need some now due to my current situation...and boy do I have a doozy for all of you haha.

Ok so it all started off in February 2010. I had just returned from South East Asia after backpacking through Thailand, Laos and Vietnam for 1.5 months. When I started going back to university in March, I noticed that I was developing a rash that I had never had before on my face (below my eyes and across my nose/cheeks/brow area). I ignored it for a while, but the rash kept on coming back. Some days it would be less harsh than others, but some days it would just be horribly obvious raised bumps. I was so fed up I did something horrible...I used elecon on my face (*awaits rocks*). The elecon actually seemed to fix it temporarily (was only putting it on once a week or so) but I then decided that I had to go see a dermatologist (we are currently in November 2010). The dermatologist prescribed Minomycin and Hydrosole cream. The rash went down slightly, but it was never fully gone and would flare up if I didn't use the Hydrosole cream. I went back to him in March (2011) and it seemed like the rash was partially under control (I was having a good day that day, meaning the rash wasn't showing as much).

Long story short, it is now September 2011 and I am fed up. I can't find an answer to this rash! What's more annoying is that I believe something happened overseas where I picked this rash up, but I cannot find any information on the internet about persistent face rashes after overseas travels. There's a pic of it below, but to explain it it's sort of like raised bumps below my eyes (really makes my eyes look hollow because they stick out so much) and I also get raised bumps on my nose filled with pus (if I'm lucky some days). The rash/bumps are usually in the same areas - below my eyes, on my nose, across my cheeks and occasionally above the brow. It does not affect any other part of my body.

Attached is a picture I had just taken. As you can see the bumps usually occur right below my eyes, and there is usually tiny hard ***** pimple-like bumps on my nose that can spread across my cheeks.

Please help! This is really affecting my social life, as I really hate going out with itchy bumps all over my face (as would anyone).

Peace!

Dave.

[itchyfaceman]

No love? Cmon people :P must have some opinion on this enigma haha.

[maatson]

Rosacea and demedocosis(Demodex mite) are the two clinical condition I can think of, and if so your steroid applications may well exacerbate it.

[itchyfaceman]

Thank you soooo much maatson! You've been more help than the dermatologist I had seen because I think you're on the money! Will go back and ask for proper treatment! I got severely sunburnt in Thailand as well...so might have been a reason why...

[maatson]

Good,Thank you and wish you speedy recovery.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Three possibilities which should be ruled out are acne vulgaris, milia and rosacea (pimples are sometimes a part of rosacea). Avoiding caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol, also may help clear the skin. If the symptoms persist then please consult a dermatologist. Also use of antibiotic creams, antihistaminics, sun screens helps but consultation of a dermatologist is required first.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.