Small pimples on my skin

[maridek]

I will attempt to describe this as accurately as possible. Over winter break I got little bumps on my cheeks that resembled an allergic reaction. They went away within a few weeks though. However, within a month I had another problem. I came out of the shower one day to find small pimples on my chest. They weren't inflamed or anything, but within a week they became inflamed. I've been having this problem ever since. My chest may seem smooth in unaffected areas at first glance, but  if stretched, you can see tiny little bumps. These bumps become inflamed after the old ones have healed. I have tried Benzyl peroxide, but it only seems to put off the problem. I was my face in the mornings and after gym class. I shower at night. I sit in a sauna once a week, but it doesn't seem to help any. I know this may be a very minor thing, but summer is coming, and I want to be able to go swimming without self conscience issues. Also, I've never had anything like this before. I have never had to worry about my skin, and it was pretty great. I sat in a bath the other day, and the pimples on my chest seemed to have gotten worse. I tried drinking more, but that doesn't seem to do anything. Also, I seem to have some really small raised bumps on my forehead. Its not too bad though, I can see them when I stretch the skin. How can I prevent those as well?

[maridek]

Thank you so much for answering my question. My bumps got a lot smoother after my trip to California. I might have mentioned that I live in a very dry climate, so the humidity might have helped moisturize my skin.  At first the bumps got worse. They turned into whiteheads, and then they went away. I plan on using an oil free moisturizer for sensitive skin on my bumpy areas. Do you think it will help?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to folliculitis due to irritated hair follicles. Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles and presents as red pimples with a hair in the center of each one. The pimples may have pus in them, and they may itch or burn.  The burning sensation may persist till there is complete healing of the skin and the time taken varies with each individual.
Mild folliculitis usually heals on its own in about 2 weeks. Other than that, you can apply warm compresses and topical antibiotics.

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.