Tiny itchy red bumps

[justwords]

Hi,

I'm 21 and have an active sexual lifestyle with my boyfriend of three years. He's the only sexual partner that I've ever had and I'm his only sexual partner.

Almost exactly a week ago, I've begun to notice these tiny red or pink bumps appearing all over my body. They're quite small and are usually longer than they are wide. At first, there was a few on my chest but as the week progressed, more and more started appearing. First, on my chest and stomach, and now I have two on my left arm, right above my armpits, I have a few on both my breasts and it seems that it's starting to appear on my back as well. I even have a few on my neck. These bumps are extremely itchy at times and when I scratch them too much, they start to bleed, although there's no pus or anything. Sometimes, when I scratch, some of them sting.

Does anyone know what might be the cause of this? Is it serious? I'm starting to panic, especially since there seems to be more and more of them.

[justwords]

Hi Doctor,

Thank you so much for posting. I've never had chicken pox before so could it that? I'm in the process of washing all my sheets in case it is an insect bite. I have two dogs so could that be possible?

I've also never had this type of reaction before,which is why I'm a little startled by it's sudden appearance.

I will post a picture tonight, so that you may have a better idea of what it is.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be due to contact dermatitis or shingles. Shingles occurs in people who have had chickenpox and represents a reactivation of the dormant varicella-zoster virus. The first sign is usually a tingling feeling, itchiness, or stabbing pain on the skin. After a few days, a rash appears as a band or patch of raised dots on the side of the trunk or face. The rash develops into small, fluid-filled blisters which begin to dry out and crust over within several days. When the rash is at its peak, symptoms can range from mild itching to extreme and intense pain.
My sincere advice is to consult a dermatologist. I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or in case you have any additional doubts.