Strange red sores

I recently noticed a small, slightly raised red bump on my arm. At first I thought it was an insect bite, but in the last five days I have gotten around 15 of the same red sores all over my body. There are a few on my arms, legs, back, chest and even one in between my fingers. The sores start out as just a red circle, but within a day or so I start to see a ring of dried/peeling skin on top of/inside the original red sore. They are smaller than a dime and itchy. I have ruled out insect bites and contagious infections (scabies, bed bugs, chicken pox) because the person who I sleep next to and live with does not show any signs of having the same sores as me. Other than the fact that they itch, I do not feel any less healthy. I am 18 and not allergic to anything. I can't find any information online to help me figure out what my sores are.  None of the pictures I see resemble the type of sores I have. They are definitely not a rash, and there are never two very close together. I don't think that I show any other symptoms of illness, but every day I seem to notice another sore has appeared somewhere on my body. The first sore is also still there and hasn't changed much since the skin on it became dry. What are the possible conditions I have? Thank you for your help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms nummular dermatitis needs to be ruled out. Nummular dermatitis is a sort of eczema and allergic reaction is an important cause. Take some antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin and apply some calamine lotion on the rash. Also wear cotton clothes and keep the skin sweat free. If the symptoms persist then please get it examined 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.