What are these bumps?

[jmay1120]

I have a ton of flat bumps on my face and a few on my upper arm and hands. I first noticed these bumps on my face when I was around 9 or so (im 20 now). But it was only one on my forehead by my hairline. I kept picking at it and it eventually went away up until a year or so ago. Now they are all over my forhead, between my brows, my chin and nostrils. I cant seem to get rid of them no matter how much i scrub with a washcloth....it will subside a little bit on my chin, but they will grow back the next day. My doctor told me it was some kind of dermatitis that Im born with and I could put some hydrocortisone cream on the bumps to help them go away. So I tried that and it made me break out with pimples...I have acne as well (since the age of 14).  The bumps have never itched, burned, peeled, excreted any fluid or anything like that.  They are skin colored/slightly lighter than my skin tone (light skinned). What are these bumps on my face? Are they contagious and how do I get rid of them?

[FleeMan]

Quote: The bumps have never itched, burned, peeled, excreted any fluid or anything like that.

As an SD sufferer and constant SD researcher, it doesn't sound like Seborrheic Dermatitis. That being said, you should be seen by a Dermatologist if the bumps are spreading.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Seborrheic dermatitis causes overproduction of skin cells and sebum or  the skin's natural oil. It usually occurs in areas of the body that have many oil-producing glands, including the scalp, face, more specifically on the eyebrows, the bridge and sides of the nose, and in the crease between the nose and lip . The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not completely clear but may be associated with overgrowth of a normal skin fungus.

There is no specific test for diagnosing seborrheic dermatitis. The diagnosis is usually based upon a person's history and physical examination. The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis can be effectively controlled with a combination of self-care measures and drug therapy.Diligent washing or shampooing can control the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis by countering the build-up of skin scales. Low potency topical glucocorticoids  are usually recommended first for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. These treatments are available in creams and lotions for the face. The topical steroid should be applied daily until the dermatitis improves; they can then be gradually discontinued.

If it persists, it would be best to see your dermatologist for further evaluation and management. Take  care and keep us posted.