Persistent raised pink bumps on forearms

[rjk2002]

Hello--

For about 3 weeks now, I've had some raised pink bumps on both forearms (more on left arm).  They don't itch and are not painful--I've tried applying hydrocortisone for several days with no noticeable effect.  The largest one is abuot 4mm and irregularly shaped.  

Some background--during the time that I first noticed these bumps, I've been under a huge amount of stress (changing jobs/moving/etc.).  I also work in a cleanroom environment, wear latex gloves daily for work, and work with a variety of chemicals daily.  I would say I'm fair-skinned and have, unfortunately, been sunburned quite a bit, although not recently.

I'm going to see my doctor tomorrow, but would appreciate any insight you might be able to give.  Thank you.

[fireve]

I used to have the same problem (I am 17 years old) and this year I discovered that I am lactose intollerant. I have stopped eating dairy unless I take a Lactaid and I now drink soy-milk. Those bumps have gone away! Maybe this will help.

[godsshell]

A related discussion, pink skin bumps was started.

[nick453]

hi
   I have itchty skin and they are pinkesh,  small bumps can u tell me what they are

[paumo]

it could also be dry skin or an alergy to soap.you can ask you local pharm. for creams for dry skin.if soap allergies(or washing powder) alergies pick mild without perfumes or ask your pharmacist opinion for non-alergenic soaps.

[paumo]

my daughter is 23....and has just became alergic to dairy products. she eats cheese with EVERYTHING....or did.now if shes planning on haveing dairy.....she taked lactad.(for lactose intollerant)

[jc1488]

I've been doing some web searches to try to figure out what the pink bumps on my forearms(in my case mostly my right forearm) are.  I thought I should respond to your post since you describe my situation very well.  The pink bumps, which showed up two days ago, itch but not that much.  I also have them on the back of my neck.  There's no pain and no fever.  I also work in a cleanroom (with a variety of chemicals, latex gloves etc.) and have been under a fair amount of stress for the last few weeks (although I think this could easily be a coincedental connection).  Good luck and let me know what you find out if you check back in.  Thanks.

[Shayle]

That's actually why I'm here too. My daughter has had pink bumbs all over her forearm(left) for 4 days, 2 days ago, they started on her upper arm.  A friend of hers has the exact same rash on her arms and legs. She said that it started on her arms last week.  There are no other symptoms..no fever, no pain, no weakness, no fatigue. Just the rash.  It gets so light at night that it seems to be going away but when she comes back from school it's dark again.  Any ideas?

Keep us posted on what yours is...

[GingerCandy25]

I once got pink raised bumps all over my legs.  They didn't itch or bother me either, besides the fact that they looked bad.  They stayed for a few weeks, until I found out why I got them in the first place.

I was drinking a lot of Minute Made orange juice and after stopping that, the bumps went away within a week.  For me, it was just an allergic reaction.  My two cents...


Best,

Ginger

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Symmetrical (more or less) pink bumps are often reflections of a viral infection, though not necessarily one that would make you feel sick in some other way.

It's also possible they are caused by irritation from the outside, something perhaps you're exposed to at work that touches just the area where the spots are.  (It wouldn't be from gloves or chemicals in general.)

I doubt that sun or stress play a role.

I'm glad you're seeing your doctor soon.  I don't think you're going to find out anytyhing bad.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff