Please help with long term skin disorder

[olivermonty]

Over the past 15 years I have battled an infection on my forehead. Currently my entire forehead and bridge of my nose have open sores. At times the area will scab but eventually the infection will spread and start over again.  

My problems started in the early 80's when a spot on my forehead, thought at the time to be pre-cancerous, was excised. Doctors used a skin graft to cover the scar left after the excision. Sadly the skin graft did not take well and I was left with a disfiguring scar. The good solution to covering the scar seemed to be a tattoo - bad idea. From there on out the infection started in its infancy. Today the condition shows no signs of improvement - just signs of spreading all over my face.

I am a strong believer in natural medicine but have come to the conclusion that it is not going to ameliorate my condition.  A number of years ago, when the condition began to appear, I did see a dermatologist and a biopsy was taken. I was not diagnosed with skin cancer.  The derm was unsure what the infection was and suggested antibiotics. Unfortunately, the antibiotics did not improve my condidtion. Since then I have used various holistic therapies to no avail. I am requesting guidance as to what type of specialist I should see next . I have little patience for going doctor to doctor, trying this and that. I want my next doctor to be my last. Thanks for your time.

[william22]

Hi my name is john since i can remember i have has these bumbs or boilies on my butt they really hurt sometimes so bad i can not sit down and they really have a bad smell and when i try to pop them yellow infected stuff comes out of them and lots of blood and now there really bad cause they cover my bottom and now there starting to move down my legs i was just wandering if you could tell me what you think this is or does this sound like some kinda cancer please help thank you
                               john

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

If you've been suffering for 20 years, I think an attitude of patience would serve you better.  After all, you haven't been going "from doctor to doctor," at least for many years.

I agree that if natural therapies haven't helped in all this time, other approaches may be called for.

Question:  Do you ever pick or squeeze these "infected" areas?  If so, you should stop.  This may be very hard to do, and you may need help doing it, but it repesents an essential first step.

I advise you to find a respected local dermatologist, who will examine you, perform relevant tests (like cultures for bacteria), and treat accordingly.

Good luck.

Dr. Rockoff