What kind of rash is this?

A week ago I got a rash on my left temple-- it has progressively gotten worse. It is flaky and has pimple-like spots with pus that comes out if scratched. It is brownish-yellow where the pus has dried. Its bumpy and hurts to touch.

Please help me diagnose it...

Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From your symptoms it looks like infected hair follicle or cyst. Folliculitis 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.