Red Blotches on Face

OtistheGuard

So, I recently acquired some new features on my face. I've researched the problem on the internet, but I couldn't find anything conclusive. So I turned to you reliable guys for some opinions.

About 1-2 weeks ago I found a red blotch (about pupil size) on my jaw. I didn't think anything of it because it was just one blotch, and it was on the side of my face. However, I found another one yesterday just below the lip. Same MO. Small, red blotch. There are no bumps or topographic deformities. The original culprit hasn't vacated yet either. My suspects:

• Herpes/"Cold Sore" - I doubt this one. It's true most people have simplex 1. I don't doubt I have it. But I haven't had any recent sexual activity, and all of the previous was protected. Also they are singular blotches, and have no bumps.
• Acne - I don't know. I'd think I would have encountered an acne problem like this before 21.
• Razor Burn - Maybe. The one on the mouth has a hair dead center, and I have had a problem on my neck lately.

Any help would be appreciated. I'll see a doctor if I get another one or you guys think it would be prudent.

VThornheart

Hmm... do they itch at all?

OtistheGuard

Nope, they are only a cosmetic problem, so far.

Some parts I have left out:
It's a particularly cold winter this year. This coupled with a problem waking up parched may point to overly dry skin. But I haven't woken up thirsty in the past 4-6 days.

VThornheart

Hmm... I was thinking I might have an idea for a relatively common situation if it was itchy, but I won't suggest it just in case since I now know it likely wasn't it (I know sometimes when people hear what something might be, they start to get symptoms of it... which wouldn't be fun).

Is there anything else unusual about them at all? Do they feel different (texture-wise) than the rest of your skin? Though there's no bump, does it feel like there might be anything underneath that's different from other places on your face?

At this point, I'm not sure either... hopefully with all these details, someone who knows more about skin conditions/etc... can help out.

Feral

Skin problems are notoriously difficult to diagnose from a physical description. I'd suggest finding a dermatologist.

Rook

Just an FYI but the coldsore herpes (type I?) has nothing to do with sexual activity generally speaking. Triggers are likely to be stress/sunlight/wind/cold etc. (obviously, it doesn't sound like a coldsore at all).

Taterskin

Could be Eczema (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema).

Ill second Feral's advice about seeing a dermatologist (if possible).

vonPoonBurGer

Rook wrote: »

Just an FYI but the coldsore herpes (type I?) has nothing to do with sexual activity generally speaking. Triggers are likely to be stress/sunlight/wind/cold etc. (obviously, it doesn't sound like a coldsore at all).

The general rule of thumb is that type I usually shows up above the waist, type 2 below, but it is possible for either type to pass between sexual partners during oral sex. The risk is primarily while you have a sore that's actively shedding viral material, but there's also a slim possibility that you can transmit the virus even when you don't have an active sore showing. I know this is slightly off-topic, but I don't want anyone assuming it's Ok to go down on their partner while they have a cold sore.

Trowizilla

They could just be ingrown hairs. Try a very, very gentle exfoliation (you can do this by gently rubbing your face with a clean, warm washcloth), find a soothing lotion with some aloe vera to use, especially at night, and if shaving irritates your face, make sure you're using a sharp razor with a good shaving cream/gel and not going right outside after.

You could also dab some cortizone cream on the spots and see if that helps.

blincoln

What Feral said is accurate. Even an actual doctor might have to try a couple of courses of treatment before they know for sure what it is, depending on the specifics of the symptoms. Since it sounds like it's spreading, and it's in a visible area, it's a good idea to get it looked at sooner rather than later.

supabeast

Given the weather, it could just be dry skin. Try using an uncolored, unscented moisturizer two or three times a day for a week and see if that helps.