Non-itchy tiny arm/shoulder/leg pimple like bumps

Hello all,

I am on business in China and I train at a muay thai gym.  Recently I noticed these tiny acne like bumps on my body in the areas of arms/legs/and shoulder area.  They have no sensation whatsoever.  I asked a doctor about it and she didn't know what it was.  Weay, ll, they are not going awsome have been there for over a month.  They dont get bigger either. I am starting to worry because I have had a few new ones pop up today.  I've not been to the gym in about 2 weeks now.

I suspect they maybe bacterial or viral since I've seen a few others in my gym having this symptom.  But they seem to have it alot worse.  I first got these in China.  So I am suspecting the origin to be either Chinese or Thai (trainers).

When I try to scrape them, they break and a very light scar form in the shape of an anthill. No, they dont seem to pop on their own.

I've not had sexual contact in the recent month.

Any thoughts?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be folliculitis. Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles. The condition may occur anywhere on the skin. It starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing or blockage of the follicle. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph).
Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.