pimples on arms and upper body.

I'm a 24 male, and over the last year I've been getting these weird pimples on my arms primarily but also on my chest and shoulders. They start off like a small pimple head with an inflamed red circle around it, like I've been bitten. The inflamed red circle then goes away and the pimple gets bigger. Eventually it becomes puss filled and I usually end up popping it. Healing takes a very long time, usually 2 to 3 weeks. It heals to a dark purple circle. I have gone through a course of Flucloxacillin, but because the pimples come and go through stages, I'm not sure if the antibiotics had an effect or not. What do I have?
I can post pictures if that will help.

[paulies]

Anyone?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
They seem like boils or furuncle. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus. Bacterial skin infections can be spread by shared cosmetics or washcloths, close human contact, or by contact with pus from a boil or carbuncle.

Please keep the area clean and apply warm compresses and 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 and incision and drainage may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case. Also since you are having recurrent boils, so get your blood sugar levels estimated.

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.