Red, itchy bumps on my legs. Please help.

[Alyssababexo]

So about a week and a half ago, i discovered some red bumps near my bikini line and just thought it was a rash from shaving..but soon after that i guess you could say, i started to get a few red bumps on the inside of my upper thighs. they became VERY itchy. Then recently a few bumps appeared on my lower legs (calves) and im quite confused! I thought it was mosquito bites but it does not look like that! i also have dogs that sleep in my bed but i'm pretty sure flea bites don't look like that! I'm thinking about going to a deteramotologist to figure out whats wrong. None of the bumps have gone away and at times they can be veryy itchy! Any help?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This rash can be due to contact dermatitis, scabies, 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.

[8pancake]

What you've described could be anything from allergies to fire ants to herpes (not necessarily the genital variety).  Have you changed the type of laundry soap/dryer sheets you use recently?  It could also be Poison Ivy, Eczema, Psoriasis or a variety of other skin conditions.  Also, flea bites can get pretty bad, especially if you've developed an allergy.  My suggestion would be to scour the internet for pictures that look similar to your condition. Then you will have an idea of what you may be dealing with.  If you're unsure and you can afford to, going to the dermatologist is your best option.  If it's nothing, at least you have piece of mind.