Chin spots

[Helend147]

Hi,

I'm a 25 old woman and I've been getting moderate acne on my cheeks for a couple of years now. I've been on the contraceptive pill (Microgynon) for years and have recently changed to Marvelon (I've completed 1 cycle) to try and help. I've also been taking various supplements that are meant to help hormones, as I hear the pill can effect zinc levels etc. I've seen significant improvements and I'm pretty much clear on my cheeks now.

However, I'm now getting some strange spots at the side of my chin that keep reappearing in the same area that are unlike spots I've had before. I don't know if they count as pustles, because when they come to a head the spot contents is a BIG, round, solid mass of I-dont-know-what! I don't know if this is acne or perhaps a reaction to something on my skin? I'd like to know the best way of treating and preventing these, as they keep coming back in the same areas and I'm getting quite a large area of hyper pigmentation.

Thanks for any help or advice that you can give!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since you have switched birth control pills, so you are getting these folliculitis or cysts. Please follow the above mentioned steps and if the symptoms persist then perioral dermatitis and acne need to be ruled out.
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.

[Helend147]

Thank you so much for your reply. I've been wondering if it's folliculitis actually and have switched to a non-fluroide toothpaste and mouthwash. It hasn't been a week yet but it does seem to be helping. Do you know how long folliculitius if caused by fluoride should take to completely clear up?

Do you still think I still need to go and see a doctor even if it appears to be clearing? I feel a little silly going to a GP about my skin - I feel like I'd be wasting their time!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be a small cyst, boil or folliculitis. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus. Apply warm compresses on the boil and keep the area clean. Drainage of the boil is done only when it becomes soft and forms a head. Take some over the counter pain reliever and consult a doctor for examination and antibiotics prescription. If there are recurrent boils, then please 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.