Hello,

I am suffering from some sort of infection on the face.

It started in late May as some blisters on my lips. I assumed it was cold sores (which I don't typically get) but the blisters spread to cover the entire lip. They would bleed yellow pus and crusted over. Soon after I started getting small whitehead pimples on my face which were extremely itchy. These also had pus inside and would heal in a day or two with another popping up elsewhere. I took lysine and garlic and applied tea tree oil as remedies. After about three weeks, I healed completely.

However, a few weeks later in early July, I noticed a tingling/itchiness in my lips again. It did not seem as bad this time and the blisters on my lips subsided. However itchy red patches began appearing on my face and spreading. These are extremely itchy and some pus will come out if I scratch. This has gone on for a month now with some days better and some days worse. Please see the attached picture for a recent shot.

As background, I have sensitive skin and suffered from eczema as a child.

I realize that I do need to see a doctor in person about this, but dermatologist appointments are tough to schedule and on most days my face looks fine enough that I worry it will not be diagnosed.

I would like some thoughts on possible causes (e.g. viral, bacterial, etc.) and treatment. Currently I am applying tea tree oil and hydrocortisone (when it is unbearably itchy). Thanks for your time and help.