itchy bumps

Just 4days ago i noticed my skin was itchy but i did not attend to it i thought it was mosquito bites or something until 2days later when i realized that i was getting small bumps after i scratch.These bumps are not red and don't have pus.I Am kind of worried because this is my first time and i don't have allergies.I have them on my arm,leg and a few on my face.I have no idea what this can be and i want to know if am ok?

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi

There is a common skin condition called hives or urticaria, which causes red and sometimes itchy bumps on your skin. Hives can occur anywhere on the body such as the trunk, arms, and legs.

Hives are usually allergic (food, medication and insect stings) but may also be due to infections and stress. Many a times no specific cause for them is ever found.

They usually go away on their own. The most commonly used oral treatments are antihistaminics (such as cetirizine, loratidine, benadryl available over the counter).

However, if the symptoms persist or increase in frequency or intensity or you experience any difficulty in breathing or sweating etc, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Do write in if you need any other information.

Take care
Regards

[BhumikaMD]

Hi.
This could be eczema, dermatitis, bug bites or allergic reactions. Are you on nay medications currently?

You need to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.

[amika]

Thank you for replying back.The thing is i checked with what you say it might be but it looks different with what i have,My bumps are small and kind of pimple looking.You know  how you get a spot but bumpy? I don't think i ate anything that am allergic to.Do you have any other ideas what it might be besides hives? Please?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Though nothing can be said with surety without a clinical examination, it could be a heat rash or milaria , though nothing can be said with surety without having a look at the lesions.

'Miliaria (miliaria rubra, sweat rash or prickly heat) is a skin disease marked by small and itchy rashes. Miliaria is a common ailment in hot and humid conditions, such as in the tropics and during the summer season. '

'The prevention and treatment of miliaria primarily consists of controlling heat and humidity so that sweating is not stimulated. Measures may involve treating a febrile illness; removing occlusive clothing; limiting activity; providing air conditioning; or, as a last resort, having the patient move to a cooler climate.'

You could read more about the condition at the following links -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miliaria

and

http://www.emedicine.com/DERM/topic266.htm

Let us know if you need any other information and post us about how you are doing.

Regards.