Suggest Treatment For Itchy Acne On Shoulders Of A Teenager

Posted on Sun, 12 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 12 Jul 2015 Answered on

Mon, 3 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : can you tell me what could be causing this on my 14 year Olds sons back?

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information please

Detailed Answer:
Hi...I have seen the images provided - to me the possibilities are -

1. Acne on shoulders
2. Growth lines on the back.
3. Urticaria or allergy.

Please answer these questions so that I can guide you better -

1. How long has this been ?
2. Is there any itching?
3. Is there any recent growth spurt in him as he's 14 years old?
4. Does he have dandruff or scalp seborrhea?
5. Did this start after wearing any new clothing material?

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)

It started about 6 months ago. I attached a photo of what it started out as. There is no itching, no recent growth spurt, no dandruff, No change in any new clothing, or diff rent product used. I thought they were stretch marks at first however within the last 2 days more spots have appeared along with bruising along his vertebrae. I have never seen anything like it there are no stretch marks anywhere else on his body and he has complained of not feeling well with headaches and fevers but no other signs of illness.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I feel they are growth lines

Detailed Answer:
Hi...by what you quote I feel they are growth kinds or stretch marks. If they are not bothering him in any way... You need not worry.

Actually it's not bruising... They are looking more red than surrounding skin as the blood supply is more in the capillaries there.

But if it's bruising, the color will not remain like this. It will assume a bluish hue and then black and then diminish.

At this point I can only reassure you that they are looking like stretch marks onlyas there are no other systemic signs or symptoms as I have elicited from the history. But if you are still in doubt I suggest you consult a dermatologist for another opinion.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (3 hours later)

so this could not be a bartonela rash?

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There are no other associated symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hi....I agree with you that it is looking like Bartonella rash...by there are no other associated symptoms like - chills at night, burning feet, joint pain, etc.. .

Moreover Bartonellosis also presents with - fatigue, weakness, headaches, dizziness, irritability, aggression, muscle pain, joint pain, nerve pain, back pain, fever, chills, heart palpations.

Skin rashes (like stretch marks) - suddenly appear for no apparent reason and then go away). But here its been going on...so I do not think it is Bartonella rash.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar