Red Itchy Bumps on Skin

A common type of skin rash manifests in the form of red itchy bumps on the skin. Skin rashes are not really restricted to a particular disease or medical condition. Skin rashes can either spread over a large body part or may remain localized to an area.

Fungal or bacterial infections, or certain allergies can give red itchy bumps on the skin. However, the cause of the bumps can be partially deciphered from the pattern of the bumps. The presence of small red itchy bumps on skin is usually the result of a viral or allergic reaction of sorts. Here is a list of some common causes of rash breakouts on skin.

Skin reactions from bites of mosquitoes, fleas, and mites are more likely to cause swollen, red, itchy skin bumps. This may be due to the toxins injected into the body by the insects. You may consult a doctor to identify the particular insect that has bitten you, so that if any kind of treatment is required, you can opt for it before the condition worsens.

Allergic reaction to certain medication or foods can trigger off the irregular, raised or flat red sores and skin bumps. Sometimes, the rash that you develop may in fact be a reaction to medication used to treat the concerned allergy.

In such a case you need to stop taking the medication as soon as possible. Soaps, detergents and other household chemicals can also trigger off the allergies in people.

Hives or welts is a common skin rash that causes pink or red bumps on the skin that appear and disappear in a few hours. It can be triggered off by antibiotics, pain killers and other medication. Environmental allergens such as pollen or mold, medical conditions, changes in the climate, food allergies and even stress can all trigger off a breakout of hives.

The inflammation of the hair follicles results in small red dots on skin. This may be caused by damage inflicted upon the hair follicle due to shaving, friction from tight clothing or injuries and abrasions to the skin. A preexisting skin rash caused by eczema or dermatitis may result in injury and inflammation of the follicles.

This chronic skin disorder is characterized by a number of itchy red bumps on skin and blisters that are filled with pus. It usually affects the back of the neck, scalp, elbows, knees and back. Although the exact cause of the disease has not been ascertained, doctors believe that there is a link to gluten intolerance.

Herpes zoster or shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus which causes chickenpox. Most of the time, after the chickenpox has healed, the strains of the virus remain in the body and causes skin reactions and rashes.

These rashes are often accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, fever and burning pain in the afflicted area. For effective treatment of shingles the doctor may recommend analgesics, antivirals and steroids.

Poison ivy or poison oak is a skin reaction to the urushiol, an oily allergen present in the leaves, stems and roots of poison ivy or poison oak. This may result in red skin blisters with intense itching, characteristic of a poison ivy rash. The reaction is usually seen a day or two after the exposure.

Caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, scabies is an ectoparasite skin condition that results in blisters and pustules on palms and soles of feet accompanied by severe itching. This is highly contagious and can spread by scratching, picking up the mites under the fingernails and by other actions such as sharing toilets, clothing, towels, bedding or furniture.

You can identify the scabies rashes by S-shaped tracks on the skin that are often accompanied by small, insect-type bites.

The appearance of tiny red itchy bumps on skin may be a cause of concern, especially if simple home remedies do not cure it. It is best to consult a doctor without further ado. Skin rashes may worsen if they are not treated appropriately. Better safe than sorry!