red dots

hi im living in hong kong and because it is summer i am being bitten by lots of mosquitos however lately these timy red dots have been appearing over my legs and it only has just started to happen they look like pin heads and are red. they are not itchy or sore but i am concerned cause they are over both my legs and feet and there are quite a few of them. do you know what these are??

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This rash can be due to contact dermatitis, sweat dermatitis or folliculitis skin. 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.

If the symptoms are severe then it will be best to consult 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.