Sudden Dry Skin and White Bumps on Chin

I've had a cold for about 10 days now.  Yesterday I woke up with dry patches on my skin.  I moisturized like always and went on with my day.  A few hours later I noticed my skin was red and blotchy.  At work and there was nothing I could do.  By the end of the day I noticed a small cluster of white bumps (felt different than a whitehead pimple) on my chin.  I woke up this morning with my chin filled with these white bumps and my skin is also very red.  Looks like it's spreading toward the side of my mouth toward my nose.   I'm freaking out.  I look like I have a disease.  Waiting to see a dermatologist today but in the meantime any clue what this could be???

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to an allergic reaction, eczema or 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.

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