Skin rash spreading rapidly, please help

[Jade802]

I have a rash consisting of many red bumps with white heads. It started as a few spots on my neck two months ago. I didn't see a doctor, since I figured it was just regular acne. Now the entire front of my neck, and under my chin, is covered in these bumps!

I went to the doctor two weeks ago. He looked at my skin, told me it was a bacterial infection, and gave me minocycline pills, desonide lotion, and betadine scrub. I used everything as I was supposed to, and my infection got worse! The bumps started to cluster and new ones seemed to pop up every day.

I went back to my doctor last week, and told him the antibiotics weren't helping. He said it could take several weeks to see any improvement. I told him the infection is much worse, and is spreading rapidly, and he didn't seem too concerned. He gave me another type of antibiotic, which hasn't helped either.

Is it possible this infection isn't bacterial? Would that explain why the antibiotics just aren't working? It seems like anytime I use the betadine scrub, alcohol, or peroxide, it makes it so much worse! I am so frustrated and scared, I don't want this rash to spread all over my face. If anyone has any feedback I would really appreciate it! Thank you

[Jade802]

Hello Dr. Kaur, thank you so much for your reply. I went to the doctor, and she as well as another doctor there told me I have aggressive acne. I told them I went off my birth control pill six months ago, and they said that could be why it's flaring up so bad. I have been using erythromicin/benzoyl peroxide gel, and it has worked wonders!

Thanks again!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be infected hair follicles or folliculitis. Folliculitis 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).

My sincere suggestion would be to get the discharge from the bumps cultured so as to confirm whether it is bacterial infection and if yes then to what antibiotics the bacteria are sensitive. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.