Acne on the hands, feet, and chest?
I have a small blister on my lips, and I also have a similar blister-like lesion on my hands.
Additionally, I seem to have small bumps on my chest.
I often play basketball and sweat, which may be causing irritation on my chest or feet.
Sometimes I experience diarrhea, but I don't have a fever and my appetite is good.
I frequently drink cold beverages.
I hope the doctor can provide me with answers soon.
Xiao Su, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/05/26
Dr. Lin Xinpeng reply Dermatology
Hello: The symptoms you mentioned may not necessarily be related.
Blisters on the lips or around the mouth are most likely due to herpes simplex virus infection, which is associated with your immune system.
Applying antiviral ointment can lead to improvement within about a week, but it is advisable to visit a dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis.
As for the blisters on your hands and feet, if they are located on the sides, are symmetrical, and are accompanied by severe itching, the diagnosis is more likely to be dyshidrotic eczema.
However, this condition is not directly related to sweat gland function or sweating from playing sports, and further treatment should be sought at a clinic.
Generally, applying topical corticosteroids can help improve the condition.
Acne on the chest is very common in developing adolescents, and treatment can be provided based on the severity of the symptoms, including topical ointments or oral antibiotics.
Reply Date: 2012/05/26
More Info
When it comes to skin bumps and rashes, there are several potential causes that can lead to the symptoms you're experiencing. Based on your description of small blisters on your lips and extremities, as well as bumps on your chest, it’s important to consider a few possibilities.
1. Contact Dermatitis: This condition occurs when your skin reacts to something it has come into contact with, such as certain fabrics, soaps, or even sweat. If you’ve been sweating a lot while playing sports, the moisture can irritate your skin, especially if it’s trapped under clothing. This could lead to small bumps or blisters.
2. Folliculitis: This is an inflammation of the hair follicles that can occur due to friction, sweat, or bacteria. It often presents as small red or white bumps and can be itchy or painful. If you’re active and sweating, this could be a likely cause, especially if you wear tight clothing.
3. Heat Rash: Also known as prickly heat, this condition occurs when sweat gets trapped in the skin. It can cause small, itchy bumps and is common in hot, humid conditions or during physical activity.
4. Viral Infections: Conditions like herpes simplex can cause small blisters on the lips, while other viral infections can lead to rashes or bumps elsewhere on the body. If the blisters are painful or accompanied by other symptoms, this could be a consideration.
5. Allergic Reactions: If you’ve recently changed any products (like laundry detergent, soap, or even food), you might be experiencing an allergic reaction. This can manifest as bumps, rashes, or blisters.
6. Acne: If the bumps on your chest are more like pimples, they could be acne, which can occur due to sweat, oil, and bacteria clogging the pores.
Given that you mentioned you have not experienced fever and your appetite is good, it seems less likely that a systemic infection is at play. However, the presence of diarrhea could indicate a gastrointestinal issue, which might be unrelated to your skin symptoms but could be worth monitoring.
Recommendations for Management:
1. Keep the Area Clean and Dry: After sweating, make sure to shower and change into dry clothes as soon as possible. This can help prevent irritation and further outbreaks.
2. Avoid Irritants: If you suspect that a product may be causing your skin issues, try to eliminate it from your routine. This includes soaps, lotions, and even certain fabrics.
3. Use Over-the-Counter Treatments: For mild cases of folliculitis or contact dermatitis, topical hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can help reduce inflammation and itching. Antihistamines may also help if you suspect an allergic reaction.
4. Moisturize: If your skin is dry or irritated, using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer can help soothe the skin.
5. Consult a Dermatologist: Since you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, it would be wise to seek professional medical advice. A dermatologist can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments, which may include prescription medications if necessary.
6. Monitor Your Diet: If you suspect that certain foods or drinks (like cold beverages) might be affecting your skin, consider keeping a food diary to track any correlations between what you eat and your skin symptoms.
In conclusion, while there are several potential causes for the skin bumps and rashes you’re experiencing, proper hygiene, avoidance of irritants, and professional consultation are key steps in managing your symptoms effectively. If your symptoms persist or worsen, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.
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