Small Red Bumps All Over the Skin

Small Red Bumps All Over the Skin
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There are many skin conditions as well as medical conditions that can cause you to have small red bumps all over your skin. Treatment options and complications vary, depending on the cause of these bumps. To get a full diagnosis, see your doctor so he can determine the best treatment for you.

Symptoms

Red bumps all over your skin may be painful or itchy, or you may not even feel them. They can be filled with fluid or be rough to the touch. With some medical conditions, the small red bumps will appear only occasionally, or they may last for days or weeks.

Causes

Some common reasons for red bumps on your skin are medical conditions like chickenpox. Chickenpox often affects younger children and produces itchy red spots all over the body. As an adult, the same virus can cause herpes zoster, also known as shingles. In adults, the red bumps often only appear on one side of the body. Other conditions that can produce small red bumps all over your skin are conditions like baby acne, rosacea or allergies.

Medical Treatments

Depending on the cause of the red bumps on your skin, you may require medical treatment. Often medicated ointments and lotions are recommended and prescribed by your doctor. For severe cases, you may need oral medications to assist with the inflammation.

If the red bumps are the result of medical conditions like chicken pox or herpes, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral if you fall into a high-risk group. These medications help reduce chances of complications from the virus.

Treating allergies may require antihistamines or allergy testing to determine what is causing the reaction.

Natural Treatments

Until you know the cause of the red bumps on your body, you should not replace conventional medicine with natural remedies. Use natural remedies to alleviate the symptoms, but if your condition does not improve or worsens, seek medical advice.

The Mayo Clinic recommends warm baths with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda to alleviate itchiness. Try to not scratch and use Ibuprofen to manage any pain associated with the bumps.

Avoid lotions or oils on the skin until you know what is causing the red bumps. If an allergic reaction is the cause, avoid harsh detergents, perfumes, dyes and scratchy clothing.

Warnings

Some medical conditions that cause your body to have red bumps all over may be serious or may turn into serious medical problems if left untreated. Infection can also result if the area is itchy and you continuously scratch at it. Some medical conditions are also infectious and will easily spread to others. Consult your doctor so you can begin effectively treating your skin condition.

References

Article reviewed by Brad Walters Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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