Small red blotches on trunk and (sometimes) arms

I've noticed over the past two years that I get small, very slightly raised red blotches (about the size of a pea) that occur on my trunk and sometimes upper-arms/shoulders.  Usually I have 1 or 2, but sometimes I may have up to 15 at a time.  Most often they present themselves on the sides of my torso where my ribs end, however, they are sometimes closer to my back, front and occasionally on my biceps/shoulders.  When they occur on my sides, they're sometimes clustered into groups of 3-4 that can be up to an inch or two apart.  They do not hurt, itch, pus, rupture, or anything else that would make them noticeable, and they last for at most 24 hours before they just fade away leaving no trace.  They are not blotchy, but don't have defined edges either.  I was under the impression that they may be hives, but the absence of itching has me confused.  Could it be an allergic reaction to something?  I take vitamins but no medications.  I've browsed your forums but I didn't find anything that really sounded like my affliction.  These don't really bother me other than their appearance, and the fact that I'm having a reaction of some sort to something.  Would you please provide me with some advice, or any ideas that you have regarding this problem?  I would go to see a dermatologist (and may still) but with the difficulty it is getting an appointment, I wonder if it's really worth it doing that since some days there would be nothing for the doctor to examine anyway.  I would appreciate your help.  Thanks a lot!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I'm only guessing, but these could be small hives.  Hives can be under the skin a bit.  Although they're usually red, if they're a bit deeper, they can be skin-colored.

Hives (urticaria) are the most common rashes that come and go as quickly as you say yours do, and leave no trace.  Although people refer to hives as being "allergic" or a "reaction to something," they almost never are.  The vast majority are "idiopathic," meaning we don't know what causes them.

If yours don't seem to correlate with anything, and they just come and go and don;t bother too much, I don't think you have anything to worry about.  If they are photographable, you might try to take a picture when they are at their height, so that if you do make an appointment to see a doctor, you can bring the picture in case there's nothing for the doctor to see when you get there.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[neluazotus]

Good day, Doctor!
Yesterday I've observed on my torso, and even my arms and feet some red blotches. Besides that, they're itchy but I don't have fever. As it seems it's not measles. I went to a doctor and gave me Aerius. It contains desloratodine and it's made by Scherring Plough(I hope I've spelled right, excuse me I'm not a native). This night they seem to be more than they were in the afternoon. please give me an advice.
Thanks a lot