If you looked in the mirror this morning and saw big red bumps on your skin, you may be wondering what they are and what to do about them. Determining what they are isn't always easy, however, as a long list of factors can contribute to bumps on your skin. Visit a physician for a diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.
Causes of Big Red Bumps
According to FamilyDoctor.org, to determine what's causing bumps on your skin, consider possible sources. For example, if they appeared after taking a medication, they may be a manifestation of an allergic response. If they occurred after a hike in the woods, they may be bug bites. If they occurred after a cut or scrape, they could represent cellulitis. If the bumps are on your face and upper back, they may be acne. If they're in your armpits or groin, they could be an infection of the sweat glands. Consider as well what they feel like. If they are painful or tender to touch, this may be a sign of infection. The answers to these and other questions will help you and your doctor determine the cause of your bumps.
About Boils
According to Timothy Berger in "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment," a boil -- also known as a furuncle -- is a deep infection of hair follicles and adjacent tissues in highly-irritated or moist areas. It's most commonly caused by staphylococcus bacteria which can spread from follicle to follicle, causing multiple infections. Depending on the size of the boil, your doctor may recommend application of a hot, wet cloth to help ease the inflammation in your skin, or they may choose to incise the boil and drain the infected pus. You may also be prescribed antibiotics aimed at killing the infecting bacteria. Boils may continue to recur for years, but generally, with appropriate treatment, they should be no more than an occasional nuisance.
About Erythema Nodosum
Erythema nodosum, or EN, is a general term for an inflammatory reaction producing painful, red bumps on the lower legs. According to Klaus Wolff and Richard Allen Johnson in "Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology," EN may result from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, from allergic reactions to drugs, or from a variety of systemic diseases such as cancer, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the EN, but may involve compressive bandages on the lower legs and anti-inflammatories.
About Viral Infection
Many viral infections can present with red bumps. According to Matthew R. Mittiga and colleagues in "The Atlas of Emergency Medicine," one example is infection with varicella voster, the virus that causes chicken pox and shingles. Varicella infection causes an acute eruption of bumps that typically start on the central part of the body and spread outward. These are usually very itchy, and are accompanied by fever. If left alone, varicella bumps will resolve in a matter of days. Other viruses that can cause red bumps are measles and rubella.
About Acne
According to Timothy Berger, acne is the most common skin disease and is most prevalent in adolescents. Lesions are mostly on the face, neck, upper back and shoulders, and may be plugged with pus, in which case they are called "whiteheads" or "closed comedones," or open, with a black center, in which case they are called "blackheads," or "open comedones." Less severe acne may be treated with simple benzoyl peroxide; more severe or infected acne may require prescription medications, including antibiotics, to treat effectively.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: Skin Rashes and Other Changes
- "Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment"; Stephen J. McPhee and Maxine A. Papadakis (editors); 2009
- "Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology"; Klaus Wolff and Richard Allen Johnson; 2009
- "The Atlas of Emergency Medicine"; Kevin J. Knoop, Lawrence B. Stack, Alan B. Storrow, and R. Jason Thurman; 2010
