Outbreak on face

[cindy022386]

I have an outbreak on my face and I’m not sure what it is. The outbreak has been persistent for over 6 months now. It appear to be red little bumps below my lip and above my chin area they appear to be dry and pealing at times, they don’t hurt or itch, yet it does sting when I put pressure on the area. I have tried to use Neomycin Sulfate Ointment on it and it has not worked, I also tried psoriasis gel on it and it just irritated the area even more, any advice

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of perioral dermatitis which is common in females. Perioral dermatitis like acne is a chronic papulopustular and eczematous facial dermatitis. It mostly effects women and appear around the nose, mouth and eyes. Treatment consists of oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. A mild soap or soap substitute, such as Dove or Cetaphil should be used for washing. Scrubbing should be avoided.

Doxycycline is the preferred antibiotic for perioral dermatitis but minocycline can also be used. In unresponsive and granulomatous forms, oral isoterinoin may also be considered. Pimecrolimus cream can also be used. I suggest you to consult a dermatologist and discuss these treatment options with your dermatologist.

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.

[Raju Thapar, MBBS]

Hi,

thanks for the query,

Looks like you are suffering from herpes. It can be said so from the location on the face and the stinging sensation you are experiencing and the duration of 6 months, you need to consult a dermatologist and get examined so that it can be confirmed and start treatment.

Wish you good health.