I went to a dermatologist about a week and a half ago primarily because my skin had begun breaking out in a persistent and unusual fashion. Basically, my little brother has a recurring staph infection and I thought I had picked it up because I had a blemish on my shoulder that appeared inflamed, then two more appeared right by it. They weren't normal for me in location or appearance, so I figured infection. She didn't test for staph, but prescribed topical clindamycin and told me to apply it to my chest, arms, and back because if it was an infection, I shouldn't just spot treat. She also told me to pick up PanOxyl (benzoyl peroxide face and body wash) and prescribed really low-dose Retin A for my face. My face is doing fine. I had some minor dryness at first but I haven't had a breakout or anything. But my chest, back, and shoulders have erupted in this bizarre blanket combination of tiny red bumps and some with what look like little whiteheads on them. I tried calling, but they blew me off and said most patients see a worsening in their breakouts before an improvement, but the presentation of this reminds me of my allergic reactions to other antibiotics (tetracycline, doxycycline, penicillin--I've since been told no one should've prescribed me doxy after I reacted to tetra, but I didn't know any better at the time). I stopped using clindamycin yesterday for fear that it'd turn into another full-blown allergic reaction like last time, but I don't know whether I'm experiencing an actual allergic reaction or just a freak massive breakout because I have sensitive skin...
So... any opinions, educated guesses, similar reactions...? I want to go see my doctor again but my insurance sucks (high copay), I don't get paid from my writing job till the end of the week, and I really don't want to be in a club with this skin. Oh, and the original doctor is taking a month's vacation, so I can't just call her and get a different prescription :/



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