Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Small Pus Filled Bumps On Skin
Question: During a beach vacation this past week, on my first day in the sun I initially applied jergens natural glow for face (have used this many times without negative side effects) and later I reapplied sunscreen, using the spray midst and woke up the following morning with a negative reaction, like an allergy, resulting in small, puss-filled bumps, resembling whiteheads. Initially, I applied aquaphor and then, after asking a pharmacist, started using hydrocortisone and taking Benadryl. For one night, I tried proactive, but last nigh, after reading multiple reviews online, I tried advance healing large premium band aids overnight and these have appeared to draw the puss out quite well. I haven't experienced a rash from these, but I am concerned about that. Is there anything you'd suggest in terms of remedies? Is it ok to continue using the hydrocolloid bandages? (Pictures taken on Wednesday and Thursday and have seen improvement since)
Brief Answer:
Seems like Photoallergic dermatitis; Kindly upload Images
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have read your query in detail and I agree with your dermatologist that the eruption was most likely either photoallergic contact dermatitis Or allergic contact dermatitis. Ingredients present in sunscreen and cosmetics are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis & photoallergic contact dermatitis.
I would request you to upload the pictures so that I am able to confirm this possibility.
You may upload an Image either at "Reports Section"
Or
You may mail me at YYYY@YYYY mentioning the subject of this mail as Attention:Dr. Kakkar.
Hydrocolloid dressings may help settle inflammation and calm down/ sooth irritated skin and thus provide symptomatic relief but this is not specific remedy for this condition.
If I was the treating doctor I would rather suggest you to apply a moderately potent topical steroid e.g triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% cream Or fluticasone propionate 0.05% cream, twice daily for next 3-5 days.
Hydrocortisone 1% is too mild to produce any effective results within a day.
I would also suggest that you take an Oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine 10 mg once daily. Cetrizine is better than benadryl because of its long duration of action and being non-sedating unlike benadryl.
Regards
Seems like Photoallergic dermatitis; Kindly upload Images
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have read your query in detail and I agree with your dermatologist that the eruption was most likely either photoallergic contact dermatitis Or allergic contact dermatitis. Ingredients present in sunscreen and cosmetics are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis & photoallergic contact dermatitis.
I would request you to upload the pictures so that I am able to confirm this possibility.
You may upload an Image either at "Reports Section"
Or
You may mail me at YYYY@YYYY mentioning the subject of this mail as Attention:Dr. Kakkar.
Hydrocolloid dressings may help settle inflammation and calm down/ sooth irritated skin and thus provide symptomatic relief but this is not specific remedy for this condition.
If I was the treating doctor I would rather suggest you to apply a moderately potent topical steroid e.g triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% cream Or fluticasone propionate 0.05% cream, twice daily for next 3-5 days.
Hydrocortisone 1% is too mild to produce any effective results within a day.
I would also suggest that you take an Oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine 10 mg once daily. Cetrizine is better than benadryl because of its long duration of action and being non-sedating unlike benadryl.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. Kakkar S.,
Thank you for your response. I emailed photos to you at the address listed. If it is photo allergic dermatitis, is the reaction an acne breakout? I will use the treatment you suggested.
As far as the hydrocolloid bandages go, if I have not experienced an allergic reaction yet, am I likely in the clear? I only ask because they've been effective in absorbing puss and are nice way to keep me from picking at the lesions.
Prior to this I wear clean and clear essential dual action moisturizer at night to keep skin hydrated and stave off break outs (I typically only get a small breakout right around menstruation. Otherwise, my skin is very clear and I've never had a reaction like this.) since my skin looks very similar to a bad acne breakout would any acne treatments or moisturizers like the clean and clear mentioned above help at all?
Also, can I wear a XXXXXXX cream during the day to camouflage or would you recommend against that? I wore a hat the rest of my vacation and I'm hoping the lack of sun for the next week will help! Any idea on how long it may take to clear?
Thanks again,
XXXX
(Top photo taken Thursday 7/30, bottom photo taken Wednesday 7/29)
Thank you for your response. I emailed photos to you at the address listed. If it is photo allergic dermatitis, is the reaction an acne breakout? I will use the treatment you suggested.
As far as the hydrocolloid bandages go, if I have not experienced an allergic reaction yet, am I likely in the clear? I only ask because they've been effective in absorbing puss and are nice way to keep me from picking at the lesions.
Prior to this I wear clean and clear essential dual action moisturizer at night to keep skin hydrated and stave off break outs (I typically only get a small breakout right around menstruation. Otherwise, my skin is very clear and I've never had a reaction like this.) since my skin looks very similar to a bad acne breakout would any acne treatments or moisturizers like the clean and clear mentioned above help at all?
Also, can I wear a XXXXXXX cream during the day to camouflage or would you recommend against that? I wore a hat the rest of my vacation and I'm hoping the lack of sun for the next week will help! Any idea on how long it may take to clear?
Thanks again,
XXXX
(Top photo taken Thursday 7/30, bottom photo taken Wednesday 7/29)
Brief Answer:
Acne breakout Or a Perioral Dermatitis rather than photoallergic dermatitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you.
I have reviewed the Images and after having a look at these I must say that I would like to keep either an Acne breakout Or Perioral dermatitis as my only possibilities. Perioral dermatitis and acne can result due to a combiantion of factors like sun, heat, sunscreens and cosmetics usage.
I can see that there is lot of redness and acne/ bumps which look red/ inflammatory. Some are pustular. I guess they must be painful Or itchy too?
I would certainly not think this as due to photoallergic dermatitis. That possibility is out for now after looking at the Images. Please dont use the topical steroids that I suggested in my earlier reply. They were meant for a photoallergic dermatitis whereas this is acne and not photoallergic dermatitis.
Do way with all moisturizers and try to use as few products on your face as possible. You may use a light make up Or camouflage, however, if possible do away with it entierly. I would suggest that you use a sunscreen which is non-comedogenic and not thick Or oily/ greasy.
If I was the treating doctor I would start you on an Oral antibiotic e.g either Capsule Doxycycline 100 mg twice daily Or Tablet Minocycline ER 65 mg once daily for 2-4 weeks.
Stay away from sun Or use a gel based sunscreen (not too thick Or oily; it should mention non-comedogenic) and use broad brimmed hat, umbrella etc. Use a light camouflage if really necessary.
Topically you may use an antiacne antibacterial e.g clindamycin 1% gel twice daily.
Use a gentle cleanser for face wash e.g cetaphil cleansing lotion. A harsh cleanser would excerbate redness and irritate skin.
Regards
Acne breakout Or a Perioral Dermatitis rather than photoallergic dermatitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you.
I have reviewed the Images and after having a look at these I must say that I would like to keep either an Acne breakout Or Perioral dermatitis as my only possibilities. Perioral dermatitis and acne can result due to a combiantion of factors like sun, heat, sunscreens and cosmetics usage.
I can see that there is lot of redness and acne/ bumps which look red/ inflammatory. Some are pustular. I guess they must be painful Or itchy too?
I would certainly not think this as due to photoallergic dermatitis. That possibility is out for now after looking at the Images. Please dont use the topical steroids that I suggested in my earlier reply. They were meant for a photoallergic dermatitis whereas this is acne and not photoallergic dermatitis.
Do way with all moisturizers and try to use as few products on your face as possible. You may use a light make up Or camouflage, however, if possible do away with it entierly. I would suggest that you use a sunscreen which is non-comedogenic and not thick Or oily/ greasy.
If I was the treating doctor I would start you on an Oral antibiotic e.g either Capsule Doxycycline 100 mg twice daily Or Tablet Minocycline ER 65 mg once daily for 2-4 weeks.
Stay away from sun Or use a gel based sunscreen (not too thick Or oily; it should mention non-comedogenic) and use broad brimmed hat, umbrella etc. Use a light camouflage if really necessary.
Topically you may use an antiacne antibacterial e.g clindamycin 1% gel twice daily.
Use a gentle cleanser for face wash e.g cetaphil cleansing lotion. A harsh cleanser would excerbate redness and irritate skin.
Regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
