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Red Itchy Bumps with White Centre
A couple of days ago I noticed a couple of red, itchy spots on my arms. I figured they were just mosquito bites. These spots now have a small, tiny pus-filled centre (it looks almost like a whitehead in the centre). I've also started getting more of these lumps all over - they are not concentrated, but I have a couple of each leg (upper and lower leg), some on my buttocks, some under my armpit, a couple on my lower abdomen, and even two on one of my breasts.
These spots are very itchy and they vary in size, although none is bigger than about a quarter. They start out as red bumps, looking like mosquito bites, then they develop a small, white centre, with a larger red spot still around it.
I will be going to see my doctor tomorrow, but in the meantime, I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out what this might be. I haven't started using any new products that could be causing an allergic reaction, although I suppose you can develop allergies at any time. Thank you.
These spots are very itchy and they vary in size, although none is bigger than about a quarter. They start out as red bumps, looking like mosquito bites, then they develop a small, white centre, with a larger red spot still around it.
I will be going to see my doctor tomorrow, but in the meantime, I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out what this might be. I haven't started using any new products that could be causing an allergic reaction, although I suppose you can develop allergies at any time. Thank you.
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MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
2 Comments
Can these come and go and pop up in different spots? I have the same thing the person above is describing. They're severely itchy for a few days but the actual mark stays around for along time only fades into a darker color almost bruise like, maybe from scratching at them so much. Mine started on my one ankle and only that spot for 3 reoccurrences. After the last episode like 2 weeks ago they finally stopped itching and faded a bit, but just yesterday more popped up on my one hand in between my fingers and a couple on the middle inside of my left thigh... Very random places. Once again they start as red bumps, then they start to itch and once I itch them they get larger and you can see the white center surrounded by the red outer ring. None of mine are larger than a dime in side though, most are smaller, but same as person above described theirs. It's driving me crazy, no anti itch cream soothes the itch, only thing that seems to help is itching them and that only lasts for about 30 seconds after I stop. I've also tried lavender and tea tree essential oils to try and calm the itch, but nothing lasts more than a couple minutes. Thank you for any insight you may have!
I've had the same problem for going on 15yrs now. It started at my old address where whenever I had a shower I couldn't stop itching for ages. We found a very good magnetic water purification valve you attach to the shower hose but unfortunately forgot to take it with me when we moved 10 yrs ago and have not been able to find the same product since. I'm convinced it something to do with the water supply because it's not just me anymore it's my entire house hold and none of us have the problem when we go abroad on holiday but it starts again as soon as we shower back home.The only thing that I've found that eases the itch is 100% pure Coconut oil but my skin still looks like a pin cushion. I recently read about swimmer itch and maybe our water isn't as pure as we think in our tanks.
I had the same problem last spring, and have it again now...it's spring again. I have a second floor apartment with a deck out of the front door. I was recently on the deck and went back inside, and as I was looking at my phone I saw three almost microscopic bugs running around on the screen. I could also feel them on me but couldn't see them. It all made sense at that moment. I was waking up with the itchiest red welts in my armpits and crotch, but not exclusively in those areas. The bumps eventually get a white center that will sometimes weep clear fluid. Turns out birds were making a nest under the the deck the past two springs. Look up bird mites. They are nasty critters that become active at night and their saliva can cause a reaction resulting in hive like welts. Pictures of other cases confirmed this to be the problem. I knocked the nest down without an ounce of guilt for the babies, cleaned the hell out of laundry and apartment and life is slowly going back to normal. These mites can't survive on human blood, so any remaining will die off in 2-3 weeks. I can't express the relief of knowing the problem. It could have easily driven me insane. Hope this helps anyone with the same problem
Sounds like Chronic urticaria. I have it. Search it up. I have other auto immune disorders, Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis & fibromyalgia. Sometimes when you get 1 you get more! I'm on Remicade & am broken out right now. 4 on my right wrist. 1 on my left upper arm. Very red & itchy. Stress can be a trigger. RELAX. See a rheumatologist.
I have the same question as Jajzmama571. Please respond !!!
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Any firm answers yet? I've had this for 15 yrs. Started on my arms and now all over body. Hardly ever on my face!! So many Drs and different dermatologist! Had a biopsy of one lesion on my back that was there for 4 yrs with chronic itch sensation. Results came back: Looked like a sore trying to heal. Do not know what it is. It was a good 6 months and the same lesion came back! Recent dermatologist says it's over active nerve endings that is causing this condition. Dr can prescribe a medication to stop the itch sensation but could rise glucose levels. Waiting on current glucose blood results before considering it. More to come.
Did you ever figure out what caused them? I have the exact same thing - for a couple of weeks now.
Thank you Dr Kaur,
I was finally able to get in to see my own doctor and he diagnosed an allergic reaction. We haven't yet been able to figure out what it is that I'm allergic to, but prescription-strength anti-histimines and a topical steroid cream have helped immensely.
I've changed my laundry detergent and fabric softener in the hopes that it is one of them that is causing the reaction. If not, my doctor will send me to an allergist to try to find out what I'm allergic to.
Thanks again!
I was finally able to get in to see my own doctor and he diagnosed an allergic reaction. We haven't yet been able to figure out what it is that I'm allergic to, but prescription-strength anti-histimines and a topical steroid cream have helped immensely.
I've changed my laundry detergent and fabric softener in the hopes that it is one of them that is causing the reaction. If not, my doctor will send me to an allergist to try to find out what I'm allergic to.
Thanks again!
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From the symptoms it can be folliculitis, sweat dermatitis, heat rash or contact dermatitis.
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 Neosporin cream .For the itching antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin can be taken.
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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.