Red blocked pores on forehead?

[Paulg2uk]

Hi,

I need a bit of advice. I'm a 30 year old male that up to recently suffered with a few bouts of acne. I have been using pan oxyl 5% to get rid of of spots and the odd blackhead that would appear. It had been working and my skin was fairly clear.

The other day I noticed there were some small red spots coming up on on my forehead, one or 2 would hurt as they came to the surface of the skin but then not hurt and just stay red. I thought they might be a blackhead or pore that had been infected. So before i went to bed I washed my face with my nivea for men wash and applied some pan oxyl. Then afterwards I put some E45 moisturiser on and went to bed. I do usually exfoliate too but I'd already down this 3-4 times that week.

When I woke up I noticed my skin was a bit redder due to the pan oxyl. Normal I thought as that's what usually happens when that is applied. Also there were 2 or 3 small red spots which looked like infected pores on my forehead. One which sort of was sore but then after applying moisturiser is ok but is still red. I've had these before but they usually go away and I only always get one at a time. I thought I might be allergic to a new aftershave I bought recently but there is no itchiness and the 4 spots are located on different parts of my forehead.

3 more have shown up just yesterday but they aren't that red and they are in a row on one side of my forehead.

Could be the there was something under my skin and the pan oxyl has bought it to the surface? am I using too much of something?

I'm a bit confused what to do and was thinking of going to the doctor.

Any help would be very grateful

Cheers

Paul

[Paulg2uk]

Can you recommend and brand products I can get hold of? Would it be something I can buy in a drug store or is it something that has to be prescribed by my doctor?

Thanks again

Paul

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You can use any topical antibiotic containing these drugs. For the scars, it usually takes about 6 months to resolve and for the skin color to go back to its normal color.  Topical treatments with acids, kojic acid and chemical peels can be effective but can take a while for the skin to totally revert to its normal color.  Microdermabrasion can also be done, but this might require several sessions.  Skin resurfacing using lasers is also an option.  

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[Paulg2uk]

Hi,

Many thanks for your reply.

After a week they seem to have gone away, although a few of them have left a dark mark behind, which I was told was just what was left of the infection???

Could you recommend any products that would contain these Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin?? Or would I have to visit my doctor for a prescription?

I do have one other blocked pore on my cheek which has been there for a long time. I think it was a whitehead but has now turn a little red. Nothing seems to shift it could you recommend something for that too?

Thanks again

Paul

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be clogged pores, folliculitis or acne. Keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also 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 may be needed.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.