Blog with Dr. Irwin

I have about a dozen tiny red dots on my chest and back. Most look like a broken capillary, but some are a little bigger. I'm guessing it is largely from sun damage because although I've never been a sunbather/tanning bed person, I lived in a desert and am very fair skinned. Is there a way to get rid of these dots? I am a 43 yr old female.

I have multiple tiny bumps all over my forehead, neck and chest from last 4 years.They do not seem like acne as they never go away and never grow in that size. I have observed that the edge of the bump is slightly red and top of the bump is of skin color. they are not visible from far but under light clearly visible. On the neck it appears as if someone has pasted skin color muster seeds. I have tired BP (5%) which keep them in control but does not go away completely. Please advise what skin disorder I am suffering from and how to treat this.

Dear Dr. Iriwn, I have small black mole on my face. Can you tell me how it can be removed please?

My son is 11 soon to be 12. About 4 months ago he developed a patch of bumps on his face that at first I thought was just acne developing because of his age. The bumps are hard, small and white and can not be popped. I took him to his regular doctor and she said that they were a type of wart that would go away in a few months. Since then a couple of them have been scraped off during rough play and bled when they did. Just in the last 2 weeks he has developed more on other areas of his body. About a dozen on his back, a handful on his chest and 1 or 2 on his leg. Any ideas? Any suggestions for treatment?

Situation: My forehead has had some 'odd' looking bumps for years now. I regularly go to the derm for 'vanity' purposes; Botox, fillers. The problem is I can't ask about skin problems without paying for his opinion & diagnosis when I'm getting my cosmetic work. My insurance doesn't cover this particular derm that I've gone to for years & years. I went to the website: skinsight.com. This site, you may be familiar with, has pictures of various skin disorders. My forehead resembles Molluscum Contagiosum. The sight says it generally goes away on it's own or can hang around for a long time - that's my situation. Question: Do you have a recommendation on getting rid of this with a topical oinment or what? I don't want ot have a in-office procedure, again because my derm doesn't subscribe to my insurance carrier. Thank you in advance.

Hi, I heard you last night on Paula Begoun's web talk and was impressed with what I heard so I have been browsing your site. My question has to do with your comment on post-menopause acne. I am 54, have had a full hysterectomy at age 50, take monthly shots of Estrodial and according to my ob/gyn should stay on this the rest of my life. I also have used Retin-A-Micro since age 40. I agree that the acne that I get now is much different than as a teenager. It is deeper and more cystic as you stated. But, I didn't see anything that you recommended to help with this. Besides the Retin-A-Micro, I occasionally use a glycolic acid. Is there something else or better to do to get rid of the under the skin white "spots" that turn up. Some become bumps, some stay under the skin. Thank you for any guidance.

About 15 years ago (I am 56)I had some Electrolysis to remove hair from my upper lip area. During one of my treatments the operator missed the hair follicle and created a small hole in my skin. Over time the "hole" has gotten bigger. Is there anything that can be done to fix or at least minimize this "hole"? It's really bothering me now. Thanks for any help you can offer, LuAnne