Hi! Were you able to find out what this was or something that would resolve it? I literally have the EXACT same thing that started about 3 months ago. I went to a derm and she told me it was clogged pores and prescribed me differin, but said it would take 2-3 months to see significant results. I have also been to an aesthetician a couple of times and they do a few extractions but no real significant difference, I think they don't feel that most of the little bumps are extractable or are too small. If I try and do it myself it usually ends up making a swollen scabby red mark. You can really only see them if light hits my face a certain way, or if I poke my tongue under them like you were saying. They are near my mouth/under nose, jaw and up through my cheeks and cheek bones. They started around my mouth at the very first. I started using grapeseed oil on my face thinking my face was getting dry and breaking out (winter in Colorado) but that really just seemed to make it worse and spread. The derm and aesthetician have since told me that oil is a big NO NO for those with oil prone skin like me, so I am now using an oil free moisturizer.

It has been about 3 weeks with differin and I haven't seen any real improvement other than the little white bumps seem to be coming closer and closer to the surface and more visible...not sure if they will all just dissolve gradually or eventually come out on their own with little prodding, but I was hoping maybe you had discovered something/or seen improvement? I know I probably just need to have patience, but I am a little scared the differin is not going to clear it up.

I have developed little clusters of bumps from the right side corner of my mouth down to my chin. Through some research I believe my issue is called "perioral dermatitis" and is somewhat related to acne. I used white vinegar thinking that it would help, but that just inflamed the area like crazy. I read online that violet oil would help, so I went to my local vitamin and health food store. They didn't have violet oil in stock, but suggested something called Miracell Skin Relief. It has helped calm the inflammation down, but a few bumps remain. My derm gave me a script for an antiobiotic cream or gel but I would rather try something more natural at this point in time. I continue to use this Miracell, and although it is made up of several different oils it does not clog my pores or contribute to further breakouts.

The flesh colored bumps that are not inflamed are called closed comedones. They are very stubborn but respond well to retinoids. The retinoids will bring them to the surface and that's when your derm or doc will prescribe clindamycin or maybe an oral antibiotic.

Salicylic acid and bp or sulfur topical regimen will take care of these as well.

I just got a PM regarding this topic so I thought I would post an update in case it helps anyone else.

I was able to resolve the problem and all I did was switch toothpastes! It turns out it was a sensitivity to SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) which is in most toothpastes and also products like shampoo and body wash. It's the stuff that makes the toothpaste foam up. So I made the switch to Sensodyne Pronamel which does not have any SLS. Make sure it's the Pronamel stuff because their regular line has SLS, I believe.

It only took a few days before the bumps started disappearing and they haven't shown up again since. Hope this helps someone!

Seborrheic dermatitis? If you flake ,then is most likely seborrheic dermatitis ,go check the seborrheic dermatitis thread , there are some over the counter or prescribed products treatments that people have tried .

Seborrheic dermatitis is probably clogging the pores making it into a perioral dermatitis.

Does it itch ? ,I was wondering if it could be fungal related.

Did you ever find out what this was? I have the exact same thing. The white cluster of bumps form a discoloration on the corners of my mouth and it looks like its cracked. please help

Hey! I have the same issue its on the sides of my lips down my him and stuff. They sometimes turn into painful zits but otherwise just sit there and make texture. Does that sound like your situation? Theyve been there forever!! So the toothpaste really helped? I just purchased it in hopes that it will help me.

On 2/15/2015 at 4:59 PM, awshucks said:

I just got a PM regarding this topic so I thought I would post an update in case it helps anyone else.

 

I was able to resolve the problem and all I did was switch toothpastes! It turns out it was a sensitivity to SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) which is in most toothpastes and also products like shampoo and body wash. It's the stuff that makes the toothpaste foam up. So I made the switch to Sensodyne Pronamel which does not have any SLS. Make sure it's the Pronamel stuff because their regular line has SLS, I believe.

 

It only took a few days before the bumps started disappearing and they haven't shown up again since. Hope this helps someone!

This is PURRFECT!! This issue has happened maybe 6 or 7 times to me in my adult life. I've never taken the time to figure it out as a couple of shaves it usually goes away but I can't believe the toothpaste thing. I literally started with a new toothpaste yesterday and within a couple of hours, wham, annoying little
effers all around my mouth and not knowing about the paste used it again last night and this morning and it got worse, argh. Anyway, thank you so very much, you rock
-s

Hi guys, I found that for me a cream with 4%benzoyl peroxide works to reduce the outbreak, and I also use aloe verra and marigold to reduce the redness and the scars. Hope that helps !