Rash - itchy, red bumps

[kopij]

I just moved from a milder climate to a hotter one and I seem to be developing this rash on my arms and legs. Red bumps that itch like mosquito bites but are forming scabs. They are not bites and I have new ones every morning. I have already had chicken pox. There is no fever or other symptoms that I have noticed. I do not go out in the sun and the rash is only on my lower legs and arms. What is it?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
This looks like urticaria or hives. The swellings or wheals produced after itching can be pale (of skin color) or red. Urticaria is usually triggered by allergens, such as drugs, foods, insect bites, inhaled substances, in response to sunlight, cold, heat, stress, exercise, or a viral infection. Other common allergens are pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, or cosmetics. Since you experienced an itch, just go over these possibilities in your mind. Something may strike you. In many cases, hives clear up themselves and don’t require diagnosis or treatment. However if they persists you may need to see a specialist called an allergist to determine what is causing the reaction.
Itchy localized rash can be due to allergic dermatitis, eczema, contact dermatitis, shingles, psoriasis, fungal infection like or Tinea corporis. Since you have moved to a hotter climate possibility of fungal infection like tinea is always there. It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage without examining the rash. Please consult a skin specialist.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[maybebaby7]

i had the same thing...my dermotologist said it was excema. if it gets worst it might be a good idea to ask your doctor or go to a dermotologist. it also helps soaking in epsom salt....

[Nitya_Eternal]

I had something similar happen to me when I moved from California to Nevada several years ago. The hotter and drier the temperature was, the more visible and scaly the rash would become, and it was ONLY on my shoulders and arms. When the weather cooled down, the "scabs" faded to a red rash, almost like mild broken blood vessels. When I finally moved back to California, the rash went away and hasn't been back.

As far as medical conditions go, the only thing that comes to mind is psoriasis, but your doctor would be able to diagnose that better than I can =) It may also be as simple as an allergy to something you're using - have you changed body wash, soap, or laundry detergent recently?

If it's just heat-related, I'd suggest getting a humidifier for your home, as the hot climate is likely dehydrating your skin. Shower with the bathroom door open so the moisture distributes itself throughout your house and can help regulate your skin too. Experiment with different lotions to find one that's more hydrating - I had to completely revamp my beauty routine! Aveeno and Oil of Olay have worked well for me, and so has Johnson's baby lotion.