Skin Pustules

(Magee, MS, USA)

I have no medical history of anything. Great health...had asthma for 14 years, but it went away. I am 32 years old (female) and African American. About four years ago, I started developing a rash on my face. Each year since then, it occurs about 2 to 3 times. This year it has appeared around 4 times so far. The pustules itch, filled with a white substance, and in areas were several of them are clustered it's tender to touch. The pustules will appear and disappear after 7 to 10 days. However, it makes me miserable and it's a mystery to doctors. I am looking for answers for my problem.

I am not taking any medications. I have tried my best to keep a journal to eliminate certain food items, perfume, etc. as the source of the problem, but it gets hard, and confusing, especially because of things, I have used in the past for years....

Milia or Acne

There are 2 possibilities here. The first is milia, commonly seen in babies but can occur at any age. They are due to the skin pores being blocked causing white spots or pus filled spots to form. However they are not usually itchy unless there is some secondary inflammation around them.

The other possibility is acne. This very common and treated with exfolliation and antibiotics sometimes.

A dermatologist would be able to tell you for sure. Milia shouldnt be picked as they will scar so its best if they are dealt with by a dermatologist.

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