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Hi guys!
This is my first post, need some opinions...
For the past year and a half I've started to get breakouts of something which isn't acne ( although I do suffer from spots). I get something very similar for a few days a month, little spots with whiteheads and some with an almost gritty feel ....they last for a few days, breaking out around my mouth and the sides of my nose mostly. They also affect my chest and sometimes my back...., I've been to two different doctors but unfortunately not when I was suffering from it so just described it, one said it was most likely sebhoerric dermatitis ( which i researched and don't believe it is- and was prescribed a steroid cream) and the second doctor said it was perioral dermatitis, said there was nothing she could do apart from prescribe Dianette -which I have not started taking yet However I myself believe it is a form of rosacea-papulopustular - i know i shouldn't diagnose myself but the symptoms are very similar. When the 'spots' occur I have red skin that's a tad itchy, very ashamed of it cos makeup doesn't cover it
I think myself when I was prescribed Benzoyl peroxide 10% for my acne that this damaged my skin and possibly was the cause of the new affliction as before I had never experienced anything like what I have now. I thought it might be hormonal as well however I find it can come at any time....
Just wondering is there anyone out there that has experienced this?
Cheers for the help
Sarah
Seb derm and perioral derm would have been my first two guesses - although for perioral dermatitis, you could switch to an all-natural fluoride free toothpaste.
Red/itchy though indicates either rosacea (from mites) or fungal infection (which could be the seborrheic dermatitis).
Alternatively, it could be a sensitivity reaction to food, since you describe them as transient. You could try and see if it coincides with something you eat. But I'm leaning towards mites
I would go back to your doctor or derm and tell them you think you have papulopustular Rosacea. That type of Rosacea is actually pretty common in adults. If your face always has a pink or red coloring to it and regular acne products aren't doing much to solve your problem, you might have Rosacea.
I know this from personal experience. If you have insurance try and get a prescription for metrogel or any proven Rx Rosacea topical. If it works then you probably have a form of Rosacea. Metrogel doesn't work for everyone but I like it. It works great for acne.
Lupus is another that causes a reddened irritated face so that's when you're right it's not good to self diagnose. Not saying you have lupus or anything. Just thought I mention that in case anyone else reads this. Go to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders.