itchy

Can someone please help in the last week i have been getting tiny little red bumps that itch al over my body (excpt face). They itch, but are not blisters or welts. They dont last longer than 24 hours and then they go down and more come up somewhere else. Its really weird and freaking me out. I just came back from backpacking Europe and wonder if it could be something related to that?! I dont know. any help is welcome! thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to allergies, hives, sweat dermatitis or heat rash . Avoid using any lotions and creams for the meantime. Use a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Also use cotton clothes and change the clothes twice if there is any increased sweating. Try keeping the skin free of sweat as far as possible. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort. For the itching antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin can be taken.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.