what are these bumps?

My little sister has red huge bumps on her elbows, and smaller less noticeable rash like bumps on her knees, hands, and feet. They also are on the inside of her arms and and itch everywhere except her elbows. Any ideas?she says they only itch when she sweats. She thinks she has eczem or heat stroke which she has no history of. Thank u! :)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

From the symptoms viral infections like chicken pox, heat rash and scabies should be ruled out. Scabies is characterized by intense itching, usually at night and by small insect-type bites lesions on the skin. Diagnosis of scabies is made by scraping the skin and viewing the material under a microscope to see the characteristic mite or eggs.

If the bumps become itchy then you should get it evaluated from a dermatologist. Till then, you can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.