Red bumps on neck, chest and shoulders

[ryansilverman23]

Hi. I am a healthy, 33 year-old male who has be experiencing weird red bumps on my neck, shoulders and chest area for almost two months now. They started with one large boil-like lesion on my neck back in January, which eventually drained and then lesions began popping up all over my neck and surrounding areas. The lesions do not resemble any sort of pimple I have ever gotten and then seem to never come to a head. Some are more red and inflamed than others. They sometimes itch. I have several photos but I'm not sure how to attach those to this inquiry. Please help.
Sincerely,
Concerned

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

I have checked the photographs posted in your profile and can understand your concern for these red bumps on neck, chest and shoulders.

From the symptoms and pictures it looks like folliculitis. Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles. The condition may occur anywhere on the skin but is more common on chest, shoulders and thighs. It starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing or blockage of the follicle. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph).

It presents as red pimples with a hair in the center of each one. The pimples may have pus in them, and they may itch or burn.
Mild folliculitis usually heals on its own in about 2 weeks. Other than that, you can apply warm compresses. Keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or other personal items. Do not shave, use oils on bumps or scratch the bumps. It should get better with the above mentioned methods.

If the symptoms persist then get the bumps cultured from a dermatologist to rule out any fungal folliculitis. If it is bacterial folliculitis then resistant cases may need a course of oral antibiotics as well.

Hope that this information helps and hope that you get better soon.

Wishing you good health.

[ryansilverman23]

If you look at my profile you can view photos of my weird "bumps".