Eosinophilic Folliculitis? Or Constant Irritation?

[concerned997]

Hi Doctor,

I have had a recurring problem of developing small red bumps on my sides (primarily left, more toward my back) for the past 6+ months. They might have been there before, I never really inspected myself, though.

Anyhow, most have not come to a head (dont have pus) and cannot be popped without severely irritating them. Unfortunately, I constantly irritate and try to pop them. At first I described them as "blood bumps" and had a few on my right and left sides. I am a bit overweight, and I tend to sleep on my sides all the time. My dermatologist saw the bumps once before and said it looked like folliculitis, but didnt tell me what kind. I have pretty bad acne/folliculitis on my chest and my back, but most of those normally have pus in them, dont know if this could be the same thing or not.

I've been freaked about the possibility of EF due to HIV and have been tested out with a rapid test to almost 9 months with a negative result. I also developed a red bump more towards my stomach with an even smaller one next to it.

I used a clobetasol cream in heavy doses about 7 months ago for about a week and a half, and persistently sleep on my left side at night.

[natsam]

Hello Dr. Rockoff. I have been suffering from EF for the past 7 yrs. I am an international student in USA. I have discovered it as EF very recently and looking to find a good dermatologist for EF in Minneapolis. Is this a kind of Atopic dermitistis or tropical dermititis? or what kind of specialist should I consult for this?? I am very much worried if it would be cured at all..plzz help me out..

[concerned997]

Hi Dr. Rockoff,

Thank you for your answer. I was prescribed a benzoyl peroxide solution and was on minocycline for a while. I dont know if it had an effect on the bumps on my side or not, but theyre still there. Why should HIV not concern me? They have not gone away and seem to be getting worse?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

This does indeed sound like folliculitis, traumatized at that.  I see no reason at all for this to make you concerned about HIV.  I advise you to leave the bumps alone, and to wash with an over-the-counter antiseptic cleanser like Hibiclens.  Beyond, that, you should consult with your dermatologist.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff