Are Any Tests Needed
Usually no tests are needed. The rash is very typical and is easily recognised as hives by doctors. In many cases you will know what caused the rash from the events leading up to it. For example if you have just been put on a new medicine, or if your skin came into contact with a nettle, or if you were stung by a bee.
Eczema: Red Dry Itchy Skin Anywhere On The Body
Another word for eczema is dermatitis, or inflammation of the skin. Eczema causes your skin to be itchy, cracked, red, and sometimes oozy. Scratching makes your skin red and inflamed. Eczema is not contagious, and common causes include detergents, soaps, wool, and synthetic fibers, dry skin, and stress. Eczema is common in babies and children, but can be seen at any age. The best treatment is avoiding substances that your skin is sensitive to and following a regular moisturizing skin care routine. Some topical and oral medications can help ease symptoms.
Its Easy To Mistake Folliculitis For Body Acne
If you think you have body acne, you may want to make sure its not actually folliculitis. This is a condition in which normal hair follicles become inflamed or infected, resulting in small red bumps. It most commonly occurs on the chest, back, arms, and legs.
The bumps look like acne, but if you look closely, you will see the pattern follows hair your follicles. This condition is usually caused by bacteria but can sometimes be caused by yeast in the skin, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jerome Potozkin told Insider.
Prevention includes showering after exercise or hot tub use to remove sweat and bacteria, as well as using gentle antibacterial soap on affected areas. Treatment options range from topical antibacterial agents and anti-yeast medicines to oral medications.
The AAD advised that if you keep your immune system healthy and stop doing whatever is causing the folliculitis, it will usually go away.
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Impetigo: A Skin Rash Caused By Bacteria
Impetigo is a rash caused by a skin infection, usually traced to one of two bacteria, group A streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus. This skin rash appears as brown, crusty sores or blisters around the nose or mouth area. The rash is very itchy and very contagious. Scratching the rash and then touching other areas of the body, or other people, will cause it to spread. Treatment of impetigo is with antibiotic creams or lotions, and for more severe cases, with oral antibiotics.
Prescribed Medications For Molluscum Contagiosum
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe the following medications:
- creams that contain iodine and salicylic acid or potassium hydroxide
- trichloroacetic acid
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dont recommend its use in children, as it hasnt been proven effective and can cause severe side effects)
If youre pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or chestfeeding, let your doctor know about your status before taking these medications or any others. For example, podophyllotoxin cream may be safe for people assigned male at birth, but people who are pregnant should avoid it, as its ingredients might be toxic to your fetus.
Antiretroviral therapy is the most effective treatment for people who live with HIV if they contract molluscum contagiosum. It can help strengthen the immune system and fight the virus.
Seek consultation with your doctor before attempting any treatments for molluscum contagiosum.
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A Line Of Bumps On The Skin
While discovering new bumps on your skin can be worrisome, the source can be often be identified. New skin bumps may be caused by allergies, injury or infections but these type of bumps dont typically appear in a line on the skin. Insect bites, however, are a likely culprit if the bumps show up in a line, curve or a zigzag pattern. Over-the-counter topical medication can usually manage the itch and discomfort associated with bug bites, but you should see a doctor if these bites lead to a severe or allergic response.
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How Is Allergic Eczema Treated
Treatment for allergic eczema depends on the severity of your symptoms. In all cases, though, its important to wash the affected skin with plenty of water to remove traces of the allergen.
You may not need additional treatment if your symptoms are mild and dont bother you. However, you might want to use a moisturizing cream to keep the skin hydrated and repair damage. Over-the-counter corticosteroid creams can help with itching and inflammation.
Your doctor may recommend prescription-strength ointments or creams if your symptoms are severe. They may also prescribe corticosteroid pills if needed.
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Causes And Types Of Raised Skin Bumps
The most common causes of raised skin bumps are harmless and do not require medical treatment unless you have discomfort. Here are some of the possible reasons for raised skin bumps:
Less commonly, raised skin bumps are caused by more serious conditions that require treatment. Certain bacterial and viral infections cause bumps and will only get worse if they go undiagnosed and untreated. These serious conditions include:
- chickenpox, a common childhood virus characterized by red, itchy bumps that form all over the body
- impetigo, a bacterial skin infection common in young children that is highly contagious and results in reddish blisters that ooze and develop a honey-colored crust
- MRSA infection, an illness triggered by a staph bacteria that commonly lives on the skin, causing a swollen, painful bump with a white center
- scabies, a skin infestation caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei, producing an itchy, pimple-like rash
Other types of raised skin bumps can be caused by skin cancer. There are several types of skin cancer, all requiring medical management and treatment:
Most skin bumps are harmless and arent cause for concern. However, you should see your doctor if:
- skin bumps change or worsen in appearance, or last for a long time
- you are in pain or they cause discomfort
- you dont know the cause of the bumps
- you suspect you have an infection or skin cancer
The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you dont already have a doctor.
Whats Causing Your Itchy Skin
Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, is an irritating and uncontrollable sensation that makes you want to scratch to relieve the feeling. The possible causes for itchiness include internal illnesses and skin conditions.
Its important to contact a doctor for itchiness if the cause isnt obvious. They can find the underlying cause and provide treatments for relief.
Several home remedies such as over-the-counter creams and moisturizers work well for itching.
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Rosacea: Redness And Inflammation On The Face
Rosacea is a common skin condition that occurs on the faces of adults. Symptoms of rosacea include redness of the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Small blood vessels may be seen on the surface of the red skin, along with skin bumps and pimples, though this is not related to acne breakouts. Rosacea typically only affects the face, though in some cases it appears on the neck, chest, ears, scalp, or even the eyes. The cause is unknown and there is no cure, although treatment with antibiotics can minimize symptoms.
How Is Molluscum Contagiosum Treated
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, your age, and your general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
In most cases, the bumps will heal without treatment over 2 to 12 months. In rare cases, they last 3 to 5 years.
You may have treatment such as:
- Removal of the bumps. Your healthcare provider may do this by freezing them , or using a small blade, a curette, electric sparks, or lasers.
- Medicine on the skin. This may help the bumps clear up more quickly. Blistering medicines or medicine that helps stimulate the immune system may help.
Talk with your healthcare providers about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all treatments.
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Intertrigo: An Itchy Rash In The Folds Of The Body
Intertrigo is a skin condition that occurs in skin folds, under the breasts, on the inner thighs, under armpits, or under belly folds. Chafing causes a rash of red skin or brown skin that can get infected with yeast or bacteria and becomes raw. The skin rash may ooze and itch. This rash is more common in people who are overweight and in people with diabetes. Treatment involves keeping the areas dry, treating infections, and using antibiotic, antifungal, or steroid creams.
Is It Hives Or Angioedema
Angioedema swelling of tissue beneath the surface of the skin can be mistaken for, or associated with hives. It can be caused by allergic reactions, medications or a hereditary deficiency of some enzymes. The following symptoms may indicate angioedema:
- Swelling in the eyes or mouth
- Swelling of the hands, feet or throat
- Difficulty breathing, stomach cramps or swelling of the lining of the eyes
The best way to identify your symptoms is to talk to an allergist who can diagnose and treat both hives and angioedema.
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When To Call The Doctor
- The prescribed antihistamine medicine does not relieve the itching.
- The hives or itching becomes worse or new symptoms develop.
- Your child develops hives after being stung by an insect or after taking a new medicine or eating a certain food. He may need an EpiPen® to treat a more serious reaction next time.
HH-I-82 11/89, Revised 11/17, Nationwide Childrens Hospital
Next Steps
Causes Of Red Bumps On Skin
Your skin can develop red bump due to various causes. These causes range from harmless skin condition to more serious. Harmless causes are a minor skin problem that is associated with red bumps that cannot develop into health complications.
Unlike harmless causes, your skin can also form chronic red bumps that are caused by serious health condition. This requires you to visit your doctor to help you to determine the cause of your skin condition through accurate diagnosis method before treatment.
Here are the possible common causes of red bumps on the skin. They include:
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Keratosis Pilaris Can Cause Small Bumps On The Skin
Keratosis pilaris is a very common skin condition that causes small, hard bumps to appear on your skin like a rash. These bumps may make your skin feel like sandpaper.
Some might mistake keratosis pilaris for acne, but its a genetic condition that occurs when the skin doesnt exfoliate normally and the keratin blocks the pores, causing these tiny bumps, Dr. Debra Jaliman, dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, told Insider.
The bumps caused by keratosis pilaris are often light-colored and tend to crop up on the arms. Dr. Jaliman advised that the condition can be treated using lotions that contain keratolytic agents such as salicylic acid. Keratolytic agents cause the outer layer of the skin to loosen and shed, helping to exfoliate areas affected by keratosis pilaris.
How Is Allergic Eczema Diagnosed
Your doctor will first examine your skin to determine whether you have allergic eczema. If they suspect you have the condition, theyll need to do further testing to find out exactly what youre allergic to. In most cases, a patch test will be used.
If you need help finding a primary care doctor or allergist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
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The Outlook For People With Molluscum Contagiosum
In people with a healthy immune system, molluscum contagiosum will usually resolve without treatment. Typically, this happens gradually within 6 to 12 months and without scarring.
But for some, it may take from a few months up to a few years for the bumps to disappear. The infection can be more persistent and last even longer for people with immune system problems.
Once the lesions fade, the M. contagiosum virus is no longer present in your body. When this happens, you cant spread the virus to other people or parts of your body. Youll only see more bumps if another infection develops.
If youve had molluscum contagiosum once, you can still get the infection again.
Warts Cysts Moles Hives: What Are They What Are Treatments
A mysterious bump has shown up on your skin and you have no idea what it is or if you should be worried. Skin lumps and bumps on or just below the skin are common, and most of the time, theyre harmless. However, some may be painful or be a symptom of a more serious condition.
Skin bumps vary in appearance and number depending on the cause, says Zhaoyi Qin, MD, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines. Most dont need treatment, but speak with your doctor if youre concerned about any changes in your bumps or the overall condition of your skin.
Heres a look at some of the most common skin bumps and what to do about them.
Cherry angiomas
Those small, smooth red bumps that suddenly appear on your skin especially on your torso are most likely cherry angiomas. They can range from a tiny dot to the size of a pencil top eraser. Youre more prone to develop them after age 40.
Cherry angiomas are not a health concern and dont need treatment. However, if their appearance bothers you, removal is an option. A doctor can shave them off or use a laser to remove them. Depending on the size of the angioma, you may have a scar.
Cysts
Cysts that cause problems may need treatment, says Dr. Qin. Often, draining the cyst through a tiny incision may provide relief. If the cyst is inflamed, a cortisone injection may help. Infected cysts may respond to antibiotics.
Dermatofibromas
Folliculitis
Hives
Keloids
Lipomas
Moles
Warts
Related tags:
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Check If You Have Keratosis Pilaris
Symptoms of keratosis pilaris may include:
You usually get patches of small bumps on your arms, thighs or bottom, but they can appear in other places.
The bumps are usually the colour of your skin. They can also be red on white skin or brownish-black on darker skin.
The skin can sometimes feel itchy, and may be better in summer and worse in winter.
Keratosis pilaris can affect people of any age. If your child has a rash and youre not sure its keratosis pilaris, see more about rashes in babies and children.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Acute Hives
Hives look different depending on the person and the situation. They can show up anywhere on your body. Signs of acute hives include:
- Raised welts or bumps on your skin. The bumps may look reddish on lighter-colored skin.
- Swelling under your skin causing puffiness .
- Also appearing with painful swelling of your lips, eyes and inside your throat.
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How To Manage Molluscum Contagiosum
While you have the virus:
- You are contagious. Protect other people from direct contact with your affected skin areas.
- Dont scratch or pick at the rash. Scratching spreads the infection. If needed, cover affected skin with bandages to help prevent scratching.
- Dont shave the bumps. This can also spread the virus on your own skin.
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after caring for the rash.
- Dont share towels, washcloths, or clothing with anyone.
- Dont scratch or pick at any areas that have bumps.
- Dont have sex if the bumps are in the genital area.
- If you play contact sports or other activity that involves skin-to-skin contact, cover all affected skin with clothing or bandages.
- Dont swim in public pools until the rash goes away.
Chickenpox Can Cause A Rash That Looks Surprisingly Like Acne
Chickenpox is a common infection that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms start to develop around 10 to 20 days after exposure to the virus and typically include skin bumps that look very similar to body acne.
Chickenpox is quite commonly mistaken for acne. That is because it causes an itchy rash along with small blisters that are filled with fluid, Dr. Hardik Soni, emergency medicine physician and medical director of Ethos Spa, Skin, and Laser Center, told Insider.
If youre prone to pimples on your body, you may mistake chickenpox for just another breakout. However, the virus will usually eventually cause fever, aches, and pains.
Though the symptoms of chickenpox are usually worse in adults, the condition does normally resolve by itself in about a week without any special treatment. It may be worth visiting your doctor anyway to confirm a diagnosis and get advice for alleviating your symptoms.
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Check If You Have Hives
DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/694159/view
This image shows white skin with the hives rash. The rash is on a child’s leg and hand. Their groin, in the top left of the photo, is not affected by the rash.
The skin on most of their thigh is pink, raised and bumpy. At the side of their thigh are deep creases in the skin.
Their hand is pink with some red patches between their thumb and finger and at their fingertips.
Elizabeth Nunn / Alamy Stock Photo https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-an-urticarial-rash-caused-by-an-allergic-reaction-to-penicillin-111762116.html?pv=1& stamp=2& imageid=261CE1C1-DA64-4EAE-8D55-1794DA842BD3& p=278658& n=0& orientation=0& pn=1& searchtype=0& IsFromSearch=1& srch=foo%3dbar%26st%3d0%26pn%3d1%26ps%3d100%26sortby%3d2%26resultview%3dsortbyPopular%26npgs%3d0%26qt%3dGDR5M4%26qt_raw%3dGDR5M4%26lic%3d3%26mr%3d0%26pr%3d0%26ot%3d0%26creative%3d%26ag%3d0%26hc%3d0%26pc%3d%26blackwhite%3d%26cutout%3d%26tbar%3d1%26et%3d0x000000000000000000000%26vp%3d0%26loc%3d0%26imgt%3d0%26dtfr%3d%26dtto%3d%26size%3d0xFF%26archive%3d1%26groupid%3d%26pseudoid%3d%26a%3d%26cdid%3d%26cdsrt%3d%26name%3d%26qn%3d%26apalib%3d%26apalic%3d%26lightbox%3d%26gname%3d%26gtype%3d%26xstx%3d0%26simid%3d%26saveQry%3d%26editorial%3d1%26nu%3d%26t%3d%26edoptin%3d%26customgeoip%3d%26cap%3d1%26cbstore%3d1%26vd%3d0%26lb%3d%26fi%3d2%26edrf%3d0%26ispremium%3d1%26flip%3d0%26pl%3d
This image shows light brown skin with the hives rash.