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What Causes Itchy Inflamed Bumps On Face And Neck?
Question: Hi,
I have been battling with flesh like bumps that look like acne or comedones, itchy and inflamed skin on my face and neck area since I used a contaminated serum (snail slime and bee venom) from Korea. The symptoms started in may this year lthough most the comedones have disappeared, I still have some random itchiness and red spots on my face and discoloration from the acne. Recently I discovered a fork like swelling on the left side of my forehead. I have taken several blood test which I have attached in this message.
The strange why fork shape swelling on the left side of my forehead is also attached. I've also noticed on my blood test the white blood cell count is on the high normal range from the blood cells for my most recent blood test . I've also experienced a host of other symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles which I receive every two weeks fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and overall sensitivity to the skin. Please help me shed some light on my situation as I have been to several dermatologists who would only subscribe me acne medication, doctors physicians who said my blood test is normal. I don't know if it's related to the serum the contaminated serum that trigger these host of symptoms or if it's an isolated incident, but again the symptoms didn't start until late August the first sign of symptoms showed on my skin in May. I have since discontinue use of the serum once I discovered it was contaminated but my skin is still very irritated and the other symptoms of experience that are ongoing as of present are the irregular menstrual which are light and they happen every two weeks. I made an appointment with my gynecologist 4 next week will they were performed a pap smear but other than that that's all I have arrange to check out regarding the irregular period. Again any insight would be much appreciated.
I have been battling with flesh like bumps that look like acne or comedones, itchy and inflamed skin on my face and neck area since I used a contaminated serum (snail slime and bee venom) from Korea. The symptoms started in may this year lthough most the comedones have disappeared, I still have some random itchiness and red spots on my face and discoloration from the acne. Recently I discovered a fork like swelling on the left side of my forehead. I have taken several blood test which I have attached in this message.
The strange why fork shape swelling on the left side of my forehead is also attached. I've also noticed on my blood test the white blood cell count is on the high normal range from the blood cells for my most recent blood test . I've also experienced a host of other symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles which I receive every two weeks fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and overall sensitivity to the skin. Please help me shed some light on my situation as I have been to several dermatologists who would only subscribe me acne medication, doctors physicians who said my blood test is normal. I don't know if it's related to the serum the contaminated serum that trigger these host of symptoms or if it's an isolated incident, but again the symptoms didn't start until late August the first sign of symptoms showed on my skin in May. I have since discontinue use of the serum once I discovered it was contaminated but my skin is still very irritated and the other symptoms of experience that are ongoing as of present are the irregular menstrual which are light and they happen every two weeks. I made an appointment with my gynecologist 4 next week will they were performed a pap smear but other than that that's all I have arrange to check out regarding the irregular period. Again any insight would be much appreciated.
Brief Answer:
Allergic Response likely
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the portal!
I am Dr V XXXXXXX Sr Consultant Dermatologist.
I have reviewed your pictures, blood reports, and case details.
You seem to be having an allergic reaction to the use of some topical preparation.
The swelling, inflammation, itchiness, spots and pigmentation all point out in that direction. The fork shape may be indicative of the direction the contaminated solution touched the skin.
It is good that you have discontinued the allergy inducing serum. Still, I would suggest that pleas be observant as there could be other substances too which can harm the skin.
For now, if you follow these measures, you have good probability of fast recovery
1 Frequent face washes with water
2 avoidance of chemical and cosmetics
3 Sun protection
4 Anti allergic medicines
5 Avoid such substances that have doubtful ingredients or have a potential to harm skin.
Your systemic symptoms fit more with the hormonal disturbance about which your gynecologist will take thorough history, order some investigations, and then put you on the right course of treatment. It is indeed possible that that hormonal disturbance might be partly contributing to your skin related issues.
Your skin is likely to get better soon and it would be our pleasure in helping you to follow the healthy routines.
Our best wishes!
Allergic Response likely
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the portal!
I am Dr V XXXXXXX Sr Consultant Dermatologist.
I have reviewed your pictures, blood reports, and case details.
You seem to be having an allergic reaction to the use of some topical preparation.
The swelling, inflammation, itchiness, spots and pigmentation all point out in that direction. The fork shape may be indicative of the direction the contaminated solution touched the skin.
It is good that you have discontinued the allergy inducing serum. Still, I would suggest that pleas be observant as there could be other substances too which can harm the skin.
For now, if you follow these measures, you have good probability of fast recovery
1 Frequent face washes with water
2 avoidance of chemical and cosmetics
3 Sun protection
4 Anti allergic medicines
5 Avoid such substances that have doubtful ingredients or have a potential to harm skin.
Your systemic symptoms fit more with the hormonal disturbance about which your gynecologist will take thorough history, order some investigations, and then put you on the right course of treatment. It is indeed possible that that hormonal disturbance might be partly contributing to your skin related issues.
Your skin is likely to get better soon and it would be our pleasure in helping you to follow the healthy routines.
Our best wishes!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thanks for your reply. I just continued use of the contaminated serum back in XXXXXXX and now its been 6 months and although the symptoms have subsided somewhat, the itchy and redness still persist. I only use filtered water to clean my face in Aveeno moisturizing lotion. again I don't know what's causing the itchiness and the redness. I have already seen several dermatologist who would prescribe me mild hydrocortisone cream however that doesn't get to the root of the problem. It just temporarily relieves the itchiness.
Brief Answer:
Causes of allergy need observation and investigation
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome with your query.
I am concerned that your problem is bothering you despite having discontinued the suspected offending agent.
For allergies, the causes could be one or more than one and may come from least suspected articles. In your case, I feel that there is some contribution to allergy due to hormonal disturbances. I would suggest the following measures:
1 firstly make a list of all articles, cosmetics, situations, and food items that you might suspect even remotely.
2 Eliminate them from your routine and observe the impact. If you get better, them reintroduce them one by one and see if there is anything that leads to reappearance of rash
3 Do not attempt to use any new articles or cosmetic in the meantime
4 Certain tests like Patch Test for allergy are very helpful in such situations but these tests are done by specialist and need attending the physician office
First of all, you should try to figure out a cause yourself and then take some other step.
The best part is that most people are able to detect the offending substance.
If you have been using hydro cortisone for long, then the symptoms may be due to its withdrawal as well as you might have become used to the compound and what you are experiencing is a steroid withdrawal. I would suggest to taper hydro cortisone gradually, even if takes weeks to do so.
It is possible that in some cases, the allergies may subside of its own and the treatment from your Gynec might have a positive impact on your skin.
I am sure, you can now manage this in far better way.
All the best.
Causes of allergy need observation and investigation
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome with your query.
I am concerned that your problem is bothering you despite having discontinued the suspected offending agent.
For allergies, the causes could be one or more than one and may come from least suspected articles. In your case, I feel that there is some contribution to allergy due to hormonal disturbances. I would suggest the following measures:
1 firstly make a list of all articles, cosmetics, situations, and food items that you might suspect even remotely.
2 Eliminate them from your routine and observe the impact. If you get better, them reintroduce them one by one and see if there is anything that leads to reappearance of rash
3 Do not attempt to use any new articles or cosmetic in the meantime
4 Certain tests like Patch Test for allergy are very helpful in such situations but these tests are done by specialist and need attending the physician office
First of all, you should try to figure out a cause yourself and then take some other step.
The best part is that most people are able to detect the offending substance.
If you have been using hydro cortisone for long, then the symptoms may be due to its withdrawal as well as you might have become used to the compound and what you are experiencing is a steroid withdrawal. I would suggest to taper hydro cortisone gradually, even if takes weeks to do so.
It is possible that in some cases, the allergies may subside of its own and the treatment from your Gynec might have a positive impact on your skin.
I am sure, you can now manage this in far better way.
All the best.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
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