Bumps

I don't believe this is an emergency but I am going on vacation in 3 days and just want to see if I should see a doctor before I leave. Anyway over the past week I have developed 5 red bumps that have shown up on various areas of my arms. They look like a common bug bite to start and remain as a raised, rough, bump. They itch like crazy. I don't know if they are a simple viral rash (I have  had shingles but normally that does not show up in multiple places) or something more serious. The first one has faded but not dissapeared. Do they sound like anything?

I have not been outside much, so they are most likely not a real bug bite. Any over the counter meds that may help? I do not take any medications so I have ruled out any alergic (allergic) reactions.

Thanks.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

They could be bites, or perhaps blocked pores from the heat.  If they're on the arms, they're probably bites.  You are correct about shingles, so that sounds unlikely.  I would treat the itch with a lotion like Benadryl, and do nothing more unless you get many more bumps or other symptoms.  Have a nice vacation.
Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[SaraElizMull]

I recently discovered several red bumps under my right arm pit.  They are a little sore to the touch, they do not itch.  It has been hot lately and i did change deodorant to a clear gel instead of a powder however the bumps are only under my right arm and not my left. What could this be?