Itchy Red Bumps

Itchy red bumps on the skin usually appear either as a single red bumpy rash on the face and other areas, or as a cluster of raised red bumps, that can eventually spread to the entire body. Sometimes, these skin bumps can also enlarge and create red and large swollen patches on the skin. Numerous factors ranging from insect bites and allergies to skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, and scabies can be responsible for causing skin rashes and itchy red bumps. So it can be quite difficult at times to diagnose this skin condition. Let's take a look some of the most common causes behind these red bumps and rashes.

Causes of Itchy Red Bumps
One of the most common causes for sudden development of raised red bumps on skin is an allergy. Again, an allergic reaction can be triggered by several factors including certain foods, medications or reaction to specific environmental allergens like dust, mites and pollen. Allergic reaction are actually caused by the hypersensitivity of the immune system. Generally, the immune system reacts in order to protect our body from the invasion of foreign harmful particles like virus, bacteria and fungus. But, sometimes it may become hypersensitive to certain foreign but harmless substances, called allergens, and release chemicals like histamine that produce allergic reactions, which can manifest in various forms including skin rashes and respiratory problems.

In many instances, it has been observed that skin bumps are nothing but insect bites, especially bed bug or fleas bites. Insect bites can produce itchy and painful red bumps, which can be easily identified by the small red dot present at the center of the bumps. Itching skin bumps can also be caused by a disease, known as scabies. This diseases usually produces red bumps with extremely intense itching, more common in areas like the wrist, webbing of the hands and feet, armpit, elbows and genital areas, i.e. the places which are warm and where skin makes folds or creases. If you are experiencing red bumpy face rash, due to which your face has got a flushed appearance, then it may be Rocacea, a common skin condition in adolescents. Acne red bumps are also common in young individuals, at times, small red bumps on face can eventually turn into pimples or cysts.

Eczema is another skin condition associated with inflamed itchy patches on skin. One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which is a hereditary disease. Its outbreaks are more frequent in winter, due to the dry environment. It causes red swollen bumps that can crust discharging body fluid. Contact dermatitis can also cause itchy red bumps, especially when the skin comes in contact with some specific material that can be found in detergents, perfumes, and even jewelry. It generally causes localized skin rashes, particularly on the the areas which come in contact with such material. In addition to these common factors, there can be several other causes for itchy and red skin bumps, like measles (if accompanied by fever and sore throat), psoriasis, folliculitis, shingles and hidradenitis suppurativa to name a few.

Treatment for Itchy Red Bumps
Treatment of any skin disease depends on the underlying factors and it also applies to itchy and dry red bumps or skin rashes. For scabies, generally topical ointments as well as oral ivermectin tablets are used. Along with medications, personal hygiene can play an important role in preventing scabies. In eczema, OTC hydrocortizone cream can provide some relief, though it is also important to protect your skin from dryness by keeping it moisturized and hydrated. For contact dermatitis and allergy red bumps, avoid the specific substances that can trigger their outbreaks. Application of topical steroids like hydrocortisone may be helpful in contact dermatitis, while for allergies, the standard practice is to administer antihistamine medications.

Initially, some topical ointments and creams containing camphor, menthol or diphenhydramine may provide relief in skin bumps or rashes. Many individuals have benefited from antihistamine medications like diphenhydramine and loratadine, but it is advisable to avoid their overuse. If the occurrence of skin rashes and itchy red bumps are very frequent and lasts for several days, it is better to consult a physician or dermatologist to find out the actual underlying causes. Only a proper diagnosis can help to alleviate and prevent this skin condition.