What could these red bumps be?!
Question: My son and youngest daughter get red bumps on their faces and they have puss in them. I have been told that it's eczema, but don't know for sure. Our doctor didn't know either. We don't have a dermatologist close by so I'm open to suggestions, advice, etc. Thanks!
Answers: My son and youngest daughter get red bumps on their faces and they have puss in them. I have been told that it's eczema, but don't know for sure. Our doctor didn't know either. We don't have a dermatologist close by so I'm open to suggestions, advice, etc. Thanks!
My answer would be keratosis pilaris.
Keratosis pilaris is benign, self-limiting, and often disappears with age. It is more common in patients with atopic dermatitis (eczema) and seems to run in families.
In mild cases, small bumps, similar in appearance to "goose bumps," are found on the backs of the upper arms. The texture is that of very coarse sandpaper.
Bumps may also appear on the buttocks and thighs. Less commonly, lesions appear on the face and may be mistaken for acne.
Individual lesions consist of a small, skin-colored papules that form within hair openings. The condition is generally worse in winter and often clears in the summer.
Moisturizing lotions are often soothing and may help the appearance of the skin. Topical treatment with medications containing urea, lactic acid, Retin A (tretinoin), or vitamin D may be recommended by your physician. However, improvement often takes months and recurrence is likely.
Outlook (Prognosis): Keratosis pilaris may fade slowly with age.
The pediatrician says it is just a condition that is harmless. It is not an allergic reaction or a sign of poor hygene. I myself have it on my arms and thighs. So it didn't suprise me when my little boy got it too!
I don't know how you're going to get them diagnosed without a dermatologist, but your doctor certainly seems very relaxed about it. I suggest that you take photos and give them to your doctor and tell him - don't ask him - to find someone for you who can diagnose and help - be it at the local hospital or wherever.
The other option is the emergency room at the hospital. I wouldn't hesitate, frankly. If your doctor won't help, I'd say the next time this happens to head for the emergency room - and make sure to tell them your doctor doesn't know and isn't making any effort to find out. Don't go on a weekend evening - in fact, if one of the kids breaks out and you can get there on an afternoon, go then. They're less busy.