Small Bumps On Skin That Itch

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

How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of Keratosis Pilaris

Even with treatment, it may take time for keratosis pilaris bumps to go away. If you follow your treatment plan, you should start seeing improvement within four to six weeks.

Even without treatment, most cases of keratosis pilaris start to clear around your mid-20s, and usually completely disappears by age 30.

Hand Foot And Mouth Disease

• Appearance: Red bumps which may form blisters.
• Location: Hand, feet and mouth.
• Is it itchy? Usually, no.
• Is it contagious? Yes.

This is a common contagious viral infection which leads to blisters in the mouth and raised red bumps on hands and feet. It may be preceded by fever.

It may be accompanied with other symptoms like sore throat, weakness or loss of appetite.

It is commonly seen in young children.

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Why Is Keratosis Pilaris Itchy

Symptoms of keratosis pilaris include a rash or an irregular pattern of rashes consisting of tiny bumps. The bumps can be red or tan and form around hair follicles on the arms, thighs, buttocks, and cheeks. Because the bumps get inflamed, itching becomes a frequent symptom. Although there is no cure, treatment is possible.

The condition gets its name from keratin, a fibrous protein that makes up nails, hair, and the outer layer of skin. It forms a protective barrier from infections and environmental toxins. The abnormal buildup of keratin forms a plug that blocks the opening of a hair follicle.

What Are Common Causes For Small Itchy Bumps

As mentioned earlier, there are a different kind of causes of red small itchy bumps. These white small itchy bumps on the skin can appear due to improper hygiene as well as the lack of good skin care techniques. There may be other causes as well. Some of the major causes of small itchy bumps on the skin are listed below.

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When To See A Healthcare Professional About Rashes

If you dont already have a physician, you can use the Healthline FindCare tool to find a professional near you.

Go to the hospital immediately if you experience a rash along with any of the following symptoms:

• increasing pain or discoloration in the rash area
• tightness or itchiness in the throat
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face or limbs
• fever of 100.4°F or higher
• severe head or neck pain
• repeated vomiting or diarrhea

Your healthcare professional may also:

• take your temperature
• order tests, such as an allergy test or complete blood count
• perform a skin biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of skin tissue for analysis
• refer you to a specialist, such as a dermatologist, for further evaluation

Your healthcare professional may also prescribe medication or medicated lotion to relieve your rash. Most people can treat their rashes effectively with medical treatments and home care.

Follow these tips if you have a rash:

• Use home remedies to soothe mild contact rashes.
• Identify potential triggers for the rash and avoid them as much as possible.
• Carefully follow any treatments your doctor prescribes. Speak with a healthcare professional if your rash persists or gets worse despite treatment.

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When To See A Doctor About Molluscum Contagiosum

Some circumstances may make you a good candidate for treatment:

• your lesions are large and located on your face and neck
• you have an existing health problem that causes skin effects, like atopic dermatitis
• you have concerns about spreading the virus
• youve received treatment or acquired a health problem that reduces your immune activity

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What Are The Symptoms Of Molluscum Contagiosum

If you or your child comes into contact with the M. contagiosum virus, you may not see symptoms of infection for up to 6 months. These symptoms usually take between 2 and 7 weeks to show from the moment you acquire the molluscum contagiosum virus.

You may notice the appearance of a small group of painless lesions. These bumps can appear alone or in a patch of as many as 20. Theyre usually:

• very small, shiny, and smooth in appearance
• flesh-colored, white, or pink

Most presentations of molluscum contagiosum heal without treatment. But some people experience complications, including:

• impetigo, or a skin infection that develops after scratching the lesions
• conjunctivitis, an eye infection that may develop if lesions occur on the eyelid
• disseminated secondary eczema, which might occur as a result of overreaction to the virus by your immune system
• widespread molluscum contagiosum that are larger than usual, often on the face
• sudden scarring with a pitted appearance, either spontaneously or due to lesion removal surgery

Your Pimples Might Be An Allergic Reaction

Some skin products can clog pores and cause acne, but even many non-comedogenic products may cause rashes and allergic reactions that can look like acne.

“An allergic reaction could cause red bumps that may look similar to pimples. An allergic reaction tends to itch, while acne doesn’t cause itching,” explained Dr. Jaliman.

Dr. Jaliman advised that people with sensitive skin should avoid products with fragrance, as it’s a common source of skin sensitivity and skin allergy.

Preservatives used in makeup can also cause allergic reactions, and some people may experience skin problems as a reaction to certain foods or allergens like pollen.

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Monkeypox Is Contagious And Can Involve Painful Pus

Monkeypox can lead to a rash that involves red spots that become filled with fluid and pus, infectious disease expert Daniel Bausch, president of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, previously told Insider.

Patients have described monkeypox lesions as being “very painful” at most stages of their development. They can also become itchy during the crusting stage, CDC epidemiologist Andrea McCollum previously told Insider’s Hilary Brueck.

As long as lesions remain on the skin, an individual can spread monkeypox via sores and bodily fluids, Insider has reported.

Early monkeypox symptoms can also be flu-like, including a fever, exhaustion, and body aches, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How To Clear The Bumps On Your Childs Skin

While some bumps will clear on their own, getting an accurate diagnosis is essential. It can be difficult to know whats causing your childs rash. Bumps on the skin can look alike. Could you tell the difference between long-lasting hives and atopic dermatitis? The pictures shown here look alike, dont they?

It often takes years of in-depth medical training and experience to spot the differences. Your pediatrician or board-certified dermatologist can give you an accurate diagnosis. To become board certified, a dermatologist must know how to diagnosis and treat more than the 3,000 conditions that affect the skin.

Are all dermatologists board certified?

No. See what it takes to become board certified.

Images1,6, 8,9,11,12: Images used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides.

2, 7, 10: Used with permission of DermNet New Zealand Image Library.

3,4: Getty Images

5: Image: J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013 69:736-41

ReferencesAlai AN. Keratosis pilaris clinical presentations. Medscape. Last updated June 19, 2014.

Belazarian L, Lorenzo ME, et al. Exanthematous viral diseases. In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, et al. Fitzpatricks Dermatology in General Medicine . McGraw Hill Medical, New York, 2008: 1867-9.

Blauvelt A. Pityriasis rosea. In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, et al. Fitzpatricks Dermatology in General Medicine . McGraw Hill Medical, New York, 2008:362-6.

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Allergic Reactions To Food Or Medicine

Eating a food or medicine you’re allergic to can cause you to break out in hives , an itchy red rash. It can appear as clusters of small, raised red or pink bumps or as larger welts in clusters or on their own, the AAD says.

In most cases, hives can be treated with antihistamines or corticosteroids to calm the reaction. But, in some cases, the swelling associated with hives occurs deeper in the skin, a condition , which can be more dangerous. If you develop angioedema, you may need to use medication like an EpiPen to relieve the reaction quickly or seek medical attention.

For most people, hives go away within a day or so. But some people get hives frequently, a condition called chronic urticaria. To treat that condition, your dermatologist may prescribe other medications.

If you know what caused the reaction, its important to avoid the trigger to avoid future reactions, which can be severe and even life-threatening. But if youre not sure what caused the reaction, you should check in with a dermatologist to figure it out.

Rubella: Small Red Spots All Over The Skin

Another viral skin rash that affects children and young adults is rubella, or German measles. Rubella causes a rash of red skin spots that spreads like chickenpox from the face down. The skin rash can be itchy. Other symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen glands, headache, and runny nose. There is a vaccine for rubella, and the Centers for Disease Control note that the virus has been eliminated from the United States, but it is still common in other countries. Rubella can be very dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause birth defects. Treatment includes rest and acetaminophen to relieve discomfort.

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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.

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Home Remedies To Treat Itchy Red Bumps On Your Skin

Some itchy red bumps stay for a short time some others tend to stay for longer periods. In fact, some skin infections can last a lifetime.

While most rashes can be treated with over-the-counter products like antihistamines and hydrocortisone creams, simple home remedies can relieve symptoms and clear up the unsightly rashes in no time.

When you get a nasty skin rash, here are some remedies you can try out.

• Apply a cold compress on the region of the infection will help reduce the swelling and the urge to itch.
• Using a good moisturizer will prevent your skin from breaking. Apply your moisturizer twice a day immediately after you take your bath.
• Apply hydrocortisone, calamine lotion, or any other anti-itch cream to reduce the urge to itch. Most topical creams are readily available in drug stores or pharmacies.
• If you have sensitive skin, using harsh soaps and detergents could worsen the itchy skin. Instead, use skin-sensitive soaps or unscented detergents.
• Avoid scratching. The itch can be intolerable most times. However, scratching your rash can damage your skin or spread it from one area of your body to another. When you feel itchy, you can distract yourself by exercising or playing a game.
• If your body reacts to extreme temperatures, you can take a lukewarm bath to avoid triggering a rash.
• Avoid substances that irritate your skin.

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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 it’s a genetic condition that occurs when the skin doesn’t 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.

Hives: Sudden Itchy Skin Bumps And Welts

Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin rash that comes on suddenly and causes pale pink or red, itchy welts, which sometimes burn or sting. This skin condition can occur anywhere on the skin. Up to 20 percent of people may experience hives at least once in their lifetime. Hives may last for a few days or a few weeks and may be caused by an allergic reaction, typically to a food or medication or a recent cold or illness. The most common treatment is to avoid the cause and treat the symptoms with an antihistamine medication. Speak to a physician if an individual welt or hive lasts longer than 24 hours and is associated with any pain or fever.

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Causes Of Rashes In Children

Children are particularly prone to rashes that develop as a result of illnesses:

• Chickenpox is caused by a virus, and the rash is characterized by small itchy bumps and blisters that form all over the body.
• Measles is a viral respiratory infection that causes a widespread rash consisting of itchy, red bumps.
• Scarlet fever is an infection due to group A Streptococcus bacteria that produces a toxin, causing a bright red or skin-tone-colored, sandpaper-like rash.
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection that can cause red lesions on the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet.
• Fifth disease is a viral infection that causes a red, flat rash on the torso, arms, and legs.
• Kawasaki disease is a rare but serious illness that triggers a rash and fever in the early stages and can lead to heart complications.
• Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that causes an itchy, crusty rash and yellow, fluid-filled sores on the affected area, such as the face, neck, or hands.

You can treat most contact rashes, but it depends on the cause. Follow these guidelines to help ease discomfort and speed up the healing process:

What Are The Symptoms Of Keratosis Pilaris

The most notable symptom of keratosis pilaris is its appearance. The visible bumps appearing on the skin resemble that of goosebumps or the skin of a plucked chicken. For this reason, its commonly known as chicken skin.

The bumps can appear anywhere on the skin where hair follicles exist and, therefore, will never appear on the soles of your feet or palms of your hands. Keratosis pilaris is commonly found on the upper arms and thighs. In excess, it can extend to the forearms and lower legs.

Other symptoms associated with it include:

• slight pinkness or redness around bumps
• itchy, irritable skin

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Chickenpox: A Skin Rash Made Up Of Blisters

The virus known as varicella zoster, more commonly called chickenpox, creates a skin rash of itchy blisters on the face that spreads down to cover the chest, back, and the rest of the body. It’s typically accompanied by fever and headache. Because a vaccine is available, chickenpox is less common now, though it still occurs, especially in children under age 12. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms, including fever, with non-aspirin pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen , and soothing the itch with oatmeal baths. People with chickenpox should avoid young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, because chickenpox is highly contagious for those without prior exposure or who did not receive the vaccine.

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.

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Sebaceous Hyperplasia Can Look Like Large Pimples

Sebaceous hyperplasia takes the form of small bumps that grow in hair follicles with enlarged sebaceous glands. Though it is technically considered a tumor, sebaceous hyperplasia is totally harmless and not cancerous.

These benign growths often appear reddish with a hint of yellow or white, Dr. Potozkin explained. They tend to be inherited and most commonly appear on the face of older adults, though they can occur at any age.

If you wish to have sebaceous hyperplasia treated, your dermatologist will likely use light electrocautery or laser vaporization to remove individual lumps.