Painful Bumps around mouth

Twice now I have woken up with painful bumps around my mouth. First time there were 7 of these around my chin. They look like swollen red bumps under the skin and hurt like bruises. I thought it was acne. The next time I had one on my lip causing it to become swollen and now one other one on my chin. I took benadryl and nothing happened. They don't burn or blister and I have no other symptoms. What could it be?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it sounds like perioral dermatitis.Perioral dermatitis is a chronic papulopustular and eczematous facial dermatitis. Treatment consists of oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. A mild soap or soap substitute, such as Dove or Cetaphil should be used for washing. Scrubbing should be avoided.

If the symptoms are not controlled by topical antibiotics,then oral antibiotics may be needed.Pls consult your doctor and discuss this with him.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries.