Skin irritation - HELP!

Whenever I get into the shower and after I get out of the shower, I get these tiny bumps that appear on my back, shoulders, and chest area. They are pin sized bumps that are match my skin tone, but they create red patches around them. They itch extremely bad! I thought it was a type of rash but I have no idea what it is! I did go to the tanning bed in the summer and for a couple weeks in the month of October. I don't know if this has anything to do with it but I think I remember getting them after the tanning bed also. Please help!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This can be due to aquagenic urticaria or due to folliculitis. Wash the areas with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid. But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Symptoms  can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.
If the symptoms persist then get it evaluated from a dermatologist.
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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.