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What Causes Small Red Spots Near Collarbone Under The Breast?

Posted on Mon, 9 May 2016

Question: Hi,

My partner has recently had a red spot that looks like a pimple appear near her collarbone, underneath her bra strap (right side). At first I thought it was a pimple however it seems to be different. It's lasted a few days and seems to be gradually changing, there seems to be a small dark spot in the middle (perhaps this is a vein) - photos included show this. Hoping it's just a boil or similar however it doesn't seem to have the characteristics, although not being a professional I could be wrong. It is red, flat and relatively painless (even when touched). It has recently, tonight after a shower, formed a tiny scaly patch on top (not included in photo, they are from this afternoon). She's going to see the doctor on Monday after work to get some follow up blood tests from having Glandular Fever a few months back, however didn't want to risk the wait in case it was something that needed urgent attention.

Thank you for your time!

- XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Insect bite dermatitis most probably

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I read history and looked at photograph you posted. There is an erythematous patch.

It seems that you might be having insect bite dermatitis. You are not having any symptom like pain or itching..nice. Do not worry.

The lesion might go away after few days to weeks with little treatment.

I would advise...

- antibiotic cream like sisomycine( ensamycine cream)
- antibiotic azithromycin 250 mg twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Short course of oral steroid like methyle prednesolone in tappering dose
- Avoid soap bath. You may use dettol liq. for bath.

I hope that you may be improved in few days, however...you consult the dermatologist.

I hope this would help you.

Thanks.

Dr.Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (11 hours later)

Hi Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Thank you so much for your detailed response. I am glad it is most likely insect bite dermatitis however it concerns me that it is underneath her bra strap, which any insect is unlikely to have access to. My main reason for asking this in the first place was to make sure it wasn't any form of skin cancer. Can we wipe that off the list?

Another thing, related, is that I found two small dark spots on her leg (uploaded new photo to show this). You can feel that they are slightly raised, very slightly, and just wanted to make sure that these were normal and not something sinister.

Thank you again for your time!

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (29 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Insect bite dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back..

I can understand your concern for the skin problem of your partner. But, it is not cancer. Most probably it is insect bite dermatitis. I also understand about your doubt related to insect. But, remember ...insect may be very small and likely not to be seen or traced.

And the new lesions on leg are also insect bite dermatitis. Kindly follow the suggestions posted in previously. And consult the dermatologist personally.

Hope for the early recovery...

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (4 hours later)

Hi Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Thank you for your response once again. As the last follow up question, I would like to ask as to why the bite on her shoulder and lesions on her leg are completely different. The one on her shoulder is red and large in comparison to the ones on her leg which are dark, very tiny and slightly raised.

Thanks again!

- XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Insect bite dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Good question.. Due to variation in damage the look of the lesion may be different. There may be bullous,vesicular,papular,plaque,erythema or ulcerative lesions in insect bite dermatitis...ok. And as the time passes,the look of the lesion may be changed.

I hope this would satisfy you.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar