How to treat painless red blotches on the face?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have red blotches on my face, which does not hurt or anything, but it is embarrassing because people think something is wrong with me. It is just red blotches all over my cheeks and on my chin. Sometimes the left side goes away a tiny bit, but the right side is very red. Not to mention I also have little bumps pretty much all over my upper arm, my chest, and my thighs. It is like having non-painful goosebumps all the time that are red. What do you think all of this is? I am not taking any medications at the moment. The last time I went to the doctor, they told me to put eczema creme on it, but that did not work. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I saw your clinical pictures (the attachments are removed to protect the patient's identity).

Small red bumps are keratosis pilaris. In addition, black-colored material (keratotic) deposition will be inside each hair follicle.

This is seen on the legs, thighs, arms, and sometimes on the face.

This is challenging to treat. It does not go away completely but can be improved with medications.

Treatment options include,

1. Topical urea cream 10 to 20 %.

2. Topical salicylic acid cream.

3. Topical ammonium lactate cream.

4. Chemical peel-salicylic acid.

Talking about the redness on your face, It looks like rosacea.

Do you get flushing on exposure to sunlight? On consuming spicy food? Hot coffee or tea? On anger?

Do you get red bumps and pustules as well?

Any family history of rosacea?

Have you ever used hydrocortisone or another steroid cream on your face?

I would need this information before I suggest you any medication.

Kind regards.