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Dermatology  (Expert Forum)
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Intense red spots after a bacterial infection
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.

Intense red spots after a bacterial infection

by Mr. Red Spots, Dec 23, 2000 12:00AM
Dr Rockoff:
I was diagnosed 2 months ago with a bacterial infection that resulted in 3 nasty lesions that erupted at different times on my belly/chest area.  The lesions were about a quarter inch deep and the size of an eraser head (My dermatologist was upset that the 3 other internal physicians couldn't diagnose such a simple condition...one even thought it was spider bites!).  He prescribed an antibiotic that I took for 14 days and he reassured me that I'd be fine.  The medication cleared up the sores except that there is intense redness now where the lesions were and it is improving very very slowly.  I am applying a medication called Scar Fade (bought through a health products mail order catalog) for which the only ingredient appears to be dimethicone....still slow results after 1 week's application.  Is there any better treatment available from my dermatologist to remove the red spots quicker?  I like to swim regularly and am self conscious about the appearance.  Many thanks for responding.

by Alan Rockoff, MD, Dec 27, 2000 12:00AM
Healing red marks on the torso take weeks to months to fade, but they do.  Some people feel that topical Vitamin E helps.  I'm not sure, but it seems safe enough.  Don't rub or pick out of frustration.  Time should take care of it, just longer than you would wish.  Meantime, a bandaid may be useful if you're self-conscious.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff
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