Breakouts on My Forehead

[jason12676]

I’m 32 years old and just recently over the last 2.5-3yrs I have started getting break outs on my forehead & within the last few months started getting them on my arms as well.

I have seen 3 different dermatologists and have tried Minocycline, Erithromicine, and now bactrim. Also, I have tried applying retin-a, tazarac, Clindagel, and Benzaclin.

The bactrim alone seems to keep the problem at bay when I initially use it but then it seems as thought the potency wears off and the problem returns.

I have also tried hormone replacement therapy to the tune of $1,100/month, changing my diet and every over the counter product you can buy at a dug store.

Any suggestions would be welcomed as I don’t want to go the accutane route as suggested.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
If white stingy thing is coming out from the bumps,then the diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis needs to be revised.In my opinion,it can be acne or folliculitis.As you have already taken courses of antibiotics,I would suggest that you get a culture sensitivity of the discharge from the bumps so that exact infection can be confirmed and specific antibiotics be prescribed.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing and if you have any additional queries.

[jason12676]

Thank you for the reply!!! =)

I have tried the selson blue medicated and it helped on my arms a little bit.

As far as my forehead the bumps are red & raised - if I squeez them a long white stringy thing will normally come out - Any ideas as to what this is & possible ways to treat?

Thanks again!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaky,dry, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas esp under the nose or anywhere on face. You can treat it with over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos. Shampoo the hair vigorously and frequently (preferably daily). Active ingredients in these shampoos include salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium.

If the symptoms persist,then it would be best to get it confirmed from a dermatologist. Other possibilities of folliculitis and acne have to be ruled out.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing and if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[jason12676]

Anyone?????