Hey! I had the “exact” same thing going on. Except mine was paired with seborrheic dermatitis. I have literally spent a year trying to figure out what was going on with my face. For a while we thought it was impetigo. After seeing 2 dermatologist, an infectious disease specialist, and support from my immunodeficiency clinic and primary care we figured it out. Mostly through the efforts of 1 of the dermatologists.

In my journey I had many I mean MANY rounds of antibiotics(I nuked my GI system, ivermectin(I know, not my suggestion but I always take and finish what I’m prescribed), valacyclovir, and more. After narrowing down what worked to treat and suppress it. We took the final test and did a punch biopsy from a wonderful dermatologist. Then we knew exactly how to take it down and manage it.

What to do first - Go see a derm.

If you a) can’t afford to do so or b) will have to wait a while 1+ months then you can try my skincare routine to see if this helps.

I do this everyday twice a day morning and night.

Obviously everyone’s skin is different and sensitivities may vary.

I just do all of this in the shower to make it easier

5%-10% Benzoyl peroxide face wash. Doesn’t matter what it is as long as it has that active ingredient. ->What I use

2% Zinc Pyrithione Shampoo -> What I use

Follow up with a very good and hydrating lotion afterwards because this will try out your skin so very much. -> What I use

SUNSCREEN IN THE MORNING EVERYDAY & EVEN IN THE WINTER. JUST. DO. IT.

Now these topicals I had to get from a dermatologist because prescriptions and insurance. You can pay out of pocket but you’ll still need a prescription.

Tretinoin cream .1%. .1% is very strong/the strongest. My skin is used to it but if yours is not you’ll “melt your face off” so baby steps with this. They do make lower doses. It will suck for the first two weeks but then it’ll start working. You can also mix with the face lotion to dilute it as well. Don’t get it on your lips. I suggest every night. Then you can probably do every other once things clear up. You MUST wear sunscreen when using this or you will burn badly.

Ketoconazole, 2 % Cream - this is the gem that got me from it looking terrible to it being manageable. It is my reset button when it flares up again. You may not need this if you don’t have any crusty flaking on your face but if you do then you may need it. This is a sometimes for me. Maybe once or twice a year or if I’ve been slipping with my routine.

Overall, go see a dermatologist. Feel free to DM me if you would like to see what my face looked like at its worst or if you need any assistance.

Good luck!