Pimples on forearms

[leto143]

So a couple of moths ago I started getting these small red pimple like things with a small white head maybe like 2 or 3 on each forearm.
At first they seemed maybe like an insect bite but now I'm sure is something else. they usually come up and dry out a few days after.
I do get worried because they haven't stopped coming up since I first started getting them.
They sometimes go away for a few days but then the come back up.

Any help on how to threat this or what it might be would be appreciated.

[An_ice_guy]

Just returned from Shanghai and had two such red spots appr. 8 to 10 mm in dia. with small white pustule in the center on each forearm.  I am treating with topical antibiotics as suggested in your 2/2/2010 post. It was hot and humid and I perspired heavily.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms they sound  like infected hair follicles. Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles. It starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing or blockage of the follicle. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph).

Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.