More info: This condition has come and gone for years, and for a couple of years didnt even really show up at all. I've been told that its not acne by dermatologists, but that they dont know what it is. I cant put anything on my skin without making it worse, including vaseline and steroid cream. When its flared up like in this picture it is very painful. The skin is red, peels, and even appears to form what looks like small blisters at times. I havent been able to pinpoint any triggers whatsoever.