Red bump on neck and bumps on shoulder

Since Nov. 2010 I've had these weird bumps on my shoulder. At first glance they look like acne but they have no head and they haven't responded to antibiotic treatment (bactrim and doxycycline) and or topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salycic acid washes. In addition I've developed a small bump on the left side of my neck. I thought it was a zit and had it injected with cortizone but within a month it came back in the same exact spot. What could this be. I've been tested for all STD's recently and everything came back normal. Please help.

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum!

Erythematous, nodular lesions (“bumps”) on your shoulder and neck could be caused by many different disorders: acne, epidermoid cysts, lipoma, xanthoma, granulomatous skin infections, folliculitis, perifolliculitis, etc. Also, even when highly unlikely, It is necessary to investigate and eliminate any possibility of malignanices.

In addition to medical history and clinical examination, additional diagnostic tactics may be necessary (skin cultures, biopsies, etc.) for definite diagnosis.

Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic