Very small red dots

I was outside the other night watering flowers and after coming in noticed my legs were itchy so I thought that mosquitoes had bit on my legs, but today when my neck and arms and legs were itching all over I noticed I have very small, some slightly raised others are flat and they are more on my legs but also everywhere else. They are extremely itchy and I have tried benedryl cream and hydrocortizon cream and am not getting much relief. I tried searching symptoms online and was lead to this site... please help

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Such itchy red dots can be due to contact dermatitis, viral rashes caused by viral infection or an allergic reaction or due to insect or scabies bites. You can apply an anti-itch cream or lotion to the affected area. Oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl can also be used. You should take a comfortably cool bath and wear smooth-textured cotton clothing. Covering the affected area with bandages and dressings can help protect the skin and prevent scratching. You should choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes and use a mild, unscented laundry detergent when washing clothes, towels and bedding.

Also apply calamine lotion as it helps in soothing effect on the skin.

If the symptoms persist then the possibility of scabies has to be ruled out.
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.