Facial Rash - acne or not?

[auntiemartini]

Within the last couple of months, I have developed this facial rash on my forehead, checks, and along my jawline. It is similar to a breakout, however, the bumps are small and never develop into a whitehead or black head. Basically, these small bumps form under the skin and just stay there. They are the most severe along my jawline. They are not red, irritated, or itchy, however, they make the texture of my skin very rough. If you squeeze them, white junk oozes out. I have done everything from gentle cleansing to a full blown acne treatment and nothing seems to work. I've been working with a skin care professional since the beginning of the year, but she is at wits end. She has me using products from the PCA and Dermaquest line, but nothing is resolving the issue. In addition, I'm having a problem with large cystic type bumps along my jawline that are not responding to any treatments either. Has anyone seen anything like this? I'm in my early 30's and tired of feeling like a teenager! Its completely embarrassing!

Thank you!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it sounds like clogged pores and acne vulgaris. It is caused by excess oils that have accumulated in the sebaceous gland's duct.

Cleanse the area thoroughly and apply a good mild exfoliating scrub on that. Apply a medicated cream or gel containing resorcinol, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. If benzoyl peroxide leaves your skin dry, apply an oil-free moisturizer after 10 mins of applying benzoyl peroxide.

If the symptoms still persist then please consult a dermatologist and get topical and oral antibiotics prescribed. 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.

[Nani17]

Hi,

I'm a 17 year old male, and recently I went to my doctor for a regular checkup.  He commented on the redness and spots that were showing on my face.  They weren't necessarily pimples, in most cases they were just empty red bumps.  My doctor put me onto a facial medication known as Epiduo.  (http://www.epiduo.com/)

I'm not sure where you live and whether it's available to you or not, but I would recommend talking to your doctor about it (I'm from Australia, and we have it here).  The site says it's strictly for acne control, but I've noticed a considerable difference with my skin in regards to smoothness, general hydration and obviously appearance! :)  I still have the occasional spot, but they seem to be vanishing rapidly.  If you do end up using it, just remember to apply it once a day.  I find if I miss a day, my skin suffers.  

Hope I helped, and good luck. :)