A variety of conditions and causes can make red bumps appear over the surface of your skin. Some conditions involve widespread rashes over your entire body, while others may limit themselves to a singular area, such as your chest. Although many situations that involve red bumps on the upper chest tend to resolve on their own, others may signal a serious health problem. Consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis, medical tests and correct treatments that may help resolve this symptom.
Description
While red bumps on your upper chest may be the main symptom you notice, other symptoms that accompany the rash can help provide clues to the cause of this skin disorder. Itching, burning, flaking, fever and general malaise may accompany the red bumps. The size and shape of the bumps may also provide a clue to the cause. For instance, red bumps on your chest that contain pus may be due to an acne condition.
Factors
Certain environmental factors can cause red bumps to appear on your upper chest. Contact dermatitis can cause a variety of skin reactions, including small raised patches of reddish skin. Medline Plus warns that things that touch your skin, such as chemicals, latex, rubber, cosmetics, soaps and dyes, can cause this type of rash. Considering what items contacted your chest skin can help you determine if your bumps are the result of topical irritants. Medications, insect bites and stings may also cause red bumps.
Conditions
Medical conditions often cause a variety of rashes, including red bumps that appear on your chest. Shingles, a painful skin condition that may re-emerge, causes red bumps and blisters to form over your upper back, side and chest. Other possible medical conditions include pityriasis rosea, hives, acne, chickenpox, scabies, viral infections and folliculitis.
Precautions
Although many cases of red bumps on your chest or elsewhere on your body often resolve on their own, some may indicate the presence of a serious health condition. It is always a good idea to consult your doctor for unexplained rashes and bumps on your skin. Your doctor can perform necessary tests to help provide a diagnosis and proper plan of treatment.
Treatment
Medical treatments vary, depending on the cause of your red bumps. If you currently take medications, your doctor may try substituting different prescriptions to eliminate rashes caused by drugs. For local rashes, your doctor may want to prescribe a topical cream that contains antibiotics, steroids or antihistamines. Keep the area clean and avoid scratching or rubbing your red bumps.
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