Red bumps

I'm 19 yrs old and yesterday i started noticing these tiny red bumps on my body, mostly on my abdomen area and they itch. I've been tryng really hard to not scratch them but today they look bigger and i think i found more. I'm freaking out because i don't think i've ever had chicken pox and i've heard people say you can still get them as an adult. Could it be chicken pox or maybe just some sort of allergic reaction to this weird weather or something??

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

It can be due to allergic reaction, viral rash, heat rash or sweat dermatitis. Chicken pox produces an itchy, blistery, pustular rash that typically lasts about a week and is sometimes accompanied by a fever or other symptoms.

Avoid using any lotions and creams for the meantime. Use a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Also use cotton clothes and change the clothes twice if there is any increased sweating. Try keeping the skin free of sweat as far as possible. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort. For the itching antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin can be taken.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.