Skin bumps on upper body

Hello
I am a 42 yr old healthy male, all recent bloodwork looked fine.. About 2 months ago i broke out in small reddish pimple-like bumps on my forearms, and within a few days i had them on my legs, chest and abdomen. they never came to a "head", some were tiny, some were a little bigger like a hive. They never hurt or seemed irritated,( unless u squeezed the larger ones really hard) and within a week they reduced to small flat marks on my skin. They never oozed, weeped etc. I was very anxious and nervous while i had them. I went to the Dermatologist after the 7th day of seeing them. He felt they didnt look alarming, or to be worried about. I was told to wash with Hibilens daily and to take doyxcycline for one week as a precaution, but he didnt think it was bacterial, ruling out also an allergic reaction. Maybe heat rash or a folliculitis.  I have now again experienced these bumps. This time on my biceps, a little on forearms, a few on the neck and 2 or 3 on my chest area. NONE on the legs or lower torso like last time. I have shaved my arms in that area previously, but not my chest or neck area. ANY idea what this might be? Could it be viral?  Thank you
P

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum!

Development of disseminated papules and/or papulo-pustules (“small reddish pimple-like bumps”) does point towards Milliaria (heat rash), Folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) or Exanthema (skin rash that can be caused by toxins, drugs, microorganisms including viruses, allergy or autoimmune disease).  

In case like yours, taking detailed medical history and clinical exam by your dermatologist is of utmost importance. Just few important questions related to the history of the disease: 1) Have you been exposed to heat? 2) Have you been taking any drugs? 3) Did you have streptococcal (bacterial) infection recently? 4) Any allergies?

Prescribing medications before diagnosis is established with certain level of confidence can be contra-productive. Having results of a skin biopsy would be of great help in finalizing diagnosis (if skin lesions and medical history are inconclusive) and treatment strategy.

If you decide to post pictures, please let me know. I will be glad to analyze them.

Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic

[PETE616]

Thanks for answering , I have uploaded a picture at one week after first sight of bumps...As you can see it is healing and not as red and they are flattening.. these were the worst, my upper arms and forearms.. I did also find one or two on my forehead this time and some scattered across my upper chest but nothing as bad as the first time two months ago. I have not taken any new medications and my blood work all looked good. The first time( 2 months ago) the only thing that may have triggered it was a hot yoga class?? I have ruled out body products, etc due to the fact that i found one on my forehead.. Main intern doctor says stress and my anxiety play a big part in them. I have only had a bad cold prior to this but no strepp etc..I also go the the gym 5 times a week..

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Hello, Peter!

We are glad to hear you are already better. Thank you for uploading ta picture.

Unfortunately, contrast in picture is poor so I am not able to see much. However, development you described in your comment correlates with Milliaria (heat rash

About stress and anxiety you mentioned, they can trigger and/or aggravate almost any skin condition,

Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic