40s and can't shift these spots - help?

[springbabydays]

See image - I've had painful red spots in these positions for weeks on end and I'm getting really fed up.

I don't wear makeup. I usually just wash with water. I haven't changed my diet or supplements etc recently. I take a collagen supplement every day. I don't drool in my sleep, to my knowledge. I've tried an exfoliator and antiseptic cream but they still won't clear up.

In my 20s I was prescribed roaccutaine which cleared up the acne problems I had then.

I guess it could be perimenopausal symptoms. But I really would like to clear them up. They are painful and unsightly. Advice please? TIA.

Might be a vitamin deficiency?

Thanks @BasicBeach any idea which one?

I also take a vit D supplement every day so it can't be that.

My lips usually crack when I'm low on B vits.

It's not cracked lips @Bimblebombzle they are spots.

I tried B12 injections but they didn't do anything for me.

google perioral dermatitis, could it be that?

Sounds like hormonal acne if it’s near your mouth?

Angular cheilitis - has a few possible causes and treatments

Causes
Infection from bacteria or fungus
Irritation from ill-fitting dentures, spicy foods, or harsh toothpastes
Allergies
Nutritional deficiencies
Inflammatory bowel disease
Underlying conditions like diabetes or immunodeficiency

Treatment
Topical antifungals like nystatin, clotrimazole, or econazole
A combination of an antifungal and a topical steroid
Applying ice or a cool compress to the corners of the mouth
Avoiding skin irritants

I have had this when extremely low in iron

I used to have the worst spots under the skin right along my jawline, I got the cerrave blemish control cleanser and they completly went away.

Impetigo.

Hormonal for me, bloody awful

I'm low in iron but when I take it, it makes my entire skin break out sadly.

Thank you everyone I appreciate all your suggestions and will get researching.

A lot of people struggle with iron supplements. Unfortunately it's very difficult to significantly raise iron levels through diet alone. Can you try a different supplement? Spatone or Floradix are more gentle on the system than others (although they are expensive unfortunately).

I take a prenatal multivitamin every day which tend to be higher in iron and no harm taking when not pregnant either.
I also drink orange juice when I eat lentils to get iron up. Dairy inhibits iron absorption so avoid. Tea and coffee are bad for it as well.

Hi Op, I get it when i use toothpaste that has SLS in it (as well as spots/blisters in my mouth).

It looks like your skin is experiencing persistent irritation, which could be due to hormonal changes, skin sensitivity, or underlying inflammation. Since exfoliants and antiseptic creams haven’t worked, it might be helpful to consult a skincare specialist to identify the exact cause and receive a targeted treatment.
they offer personalized facial treatments that can help soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and restore your skin’s natural barrier. Their experts can recommend specific solutions for red patches, sensitivity, and persistent skin concerns, as well as treatments for lip care if you’re experiencing dryness or discomfort in that area.
If the issue persists, combining professional treatments with the right at-home skincare routine could make a significant difference. If you need more information, you can visit their website:

https://elitechicagospa.com/

Looks hormonal.
Take some star flower oil, macca root...

Take HRT if you're in middle age?

I've had angular cheilitis in the same place twice now since start of December - about 8 weeks out of a total of 12. I have also had some spots in the area, which I don't usually get, but they're not my main concern. The cracks are agony, it's making eating difficult, and I'm worried now about scarring.

Finally called the doctors today after trying the pharmacy and the dentist who prescribed creams. I got called in to have blood taken, so fingers crossed I get to the bottom of it.

I had stopped taking my lysine tablets for quite a while, so not sure if that's been my downfall.

Hope you get sorted OP. I know how miserable you must be.

If it's not angular chellitis (ask a pharmacist) I used tea tree cream to clear persistent awful spots going up like a star constellation on my chin