Red, liquid filled bumps on face

Hello, I am 25 years old and have always had combination skin leading more oily than dry. I am getting over a cold right now, and yesterday I discovered a cluster of three, raised, skin colored bumps on my cheek that when squeezed secrete a clear liquid. Normally I would just assume they are some weird zit that would go away but just now I discovered another cluster of two underneath my nostril (same side of face) that is also showing the same symptoms. I am wondering if this is something I should be worried about, or just a coincidence. I've had impetigo in the past and had gotten it on my forehead when I was younger from picking at a scab, this does not appear to be the same thing. It isnt itchy and the liquid is clear. Please help, I am nervous!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to clogged pores or whitehead. It is a yellowish or blackish bump or plug on the skin and is a type of 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. This helps is soaking the oil and helps in peeling away the blackheads. 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 cysts ruled out. I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[mamorg01]

Well it has become apparent in the past few days that it is a rash. It is spreading down my neck, on one of my hands, and just this morning on my chest. It looks like red, blistered bumps. Not painful, just itchy and red. I am wondering if perhaps it is poison ivy (although I would have been exposed about 2 weeks prior to my symptoms showing). I am calling a doctor tomorrow. I haven't been to a PCP in years, so I hope someone can take me in quickly as it is getting worse by the day. Good news though, the original spot on my face is now just a red, raised patch of itchy skin. No more blisters on face.

[mamorg01]

Well I finally went to the doctor after it spread down my neck, onto my hand and part of my chest. It turns out I had poison ivy. He prescribed a steroid cream and I have been using it the past three days. The bumps are gone, it is no longer itchy, but it is still red. Thanks for the help though!