red bump on my arms and legs

[nathaliehe]

Last night, I came home and I began to itch. Soon there were light red bumps on my arms. Before there was a few but it began to spread. I am starting to get some on my legs. The are on the outer part of my arms. These bumps look like acne and a bug bite. They are clustered. Help! I don't know what to do!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but these symptoms can be due to hives,contact dermatitis or allergies.

The mainstay of treatment is antihistamines which may sometimes be required for prolonged periods.You can take non-sedating antihistamines such as Cetirizine(zyrtec) or Loratadine(Claritin) to get symptom relief. Sedating antihistamines such as Chlorphenamine(benadryl) or Hydroxyzine are used at night to get urticaria control. Short courses of oral cortisone or steroids are taken for short periods (one to three days) to settle more severe symptoms.
You may take Vitamin C along with the prescribed treatment. Vitamin C is a general anti-allergy supplement. It helps stabilize mast cells so they are less likely to release histamine.Application of mild corticosteroid cream is also useful.

In case the symptoms persist then pls consult a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing and if you have any additional queries.

[margypops]

Or could be Urticaria, sounds like an allergy to me , have you eaten something new or used a cream, shower gel or lotion, differant from usual.You can take an anti histimine for the itch, OTC are okay I believe Benydryl ,and claritin, aloe vera gel also soothes it, google it for more information if it continues.