Small white blisters on face

[MedsHater]

About 3 weeks ago, after going through Fifth Disease (I am an adult in the mid 30s), I developed a rash on my face. I did not take any medications except for Tylenol and some decongestants/antihistamines (Benadryl).

It started in small areas, about 1cm in size. Within that area I would get 5 to 10 little blisters (looking like zits), filled with white puss just like standard zits. The blisters are itchy. I scratched and poped the first few. Since then it has expanded on my whole face. It mainly comes in clusters for 10 blisters in a small space. A day old "blister" starts looking red and looses the white middle. The ones that get popped, refill for few days before drying out.

I tried to take a good photo. I circled the clusters and marked it on the photo.

Help please! Cortisone only temporarily stops the itch but it does not get rid of the zits.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything with examination,but it looks like malaria rubra or sweat dermatitis. Tiny red spots with itching and pricking sensation are the characteristic appearance of this rash.

Avoid using any lotions and creams for the meantime.Use a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Also use cotton clothes and change the clothes twice if there is any increased sweating.Try keeping the skin free of sweat as far as possible. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort.For the itching antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin can be taken.

I hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or in case you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

Look typically like miliaria crystallina due to sweat gland obstruction.A course of erytromycin internally,vitC,calamine external would do.