A variety of conditions, from allergic reactions to fungal infections, can cause bumps on your lower body, including your stomach, thighs, legs and feet. The bumps can appear unsightly, which can make you self-conscious about your appearance. If the bumps itch, you might scratch them and cause a skin infection. Differentiating between red bumps caused by bug bites and ones symptomatic of serious medical conditions requires the trained eye of a professional. Call your primary care provider so that he can evaluate and treat the bumps.
Identification
Certain skin conditions, including eczema and keratosis pilaris, can cause small red bumps on your trunk, thighs and legs, according to MayoClinic.com. The clinic notes that red bumps on your lower body can also occur as a reaction to some type of irritant or allergen, such as certain plants like poison ivy or fragrances, detergents and lotions. Insect bites can also cause red bumps, as can infection with scabies, a contagious skin condition caused by microscopic mites.
Treatment
In order to treat the bumps, your doctor will need to consider any accompanying symptoms, such as fever or swelling. He will also need to gather background information on the bumps, including when they appeared and if they have spread to other parts of your body. In order to determine the cause of the bumps, MayoClinic.com indicates that your doctor might conduct additional tests, such as a potassium hydroxide test in which he examines skin scrapings from the bumps under a microscope.
Considerations
If small red bumps and itching occur in your groin area, the American Academy of Family Physicians suggests that the culprit might be jock itch, a type of fungal infection. Jock itch commonly affects the groin, upper thighs and buttocks of men, although it can also affect women. Yeast infections are a more common cause of a red, itchy rash in women's groin areas, according to the AAFP. Consult with your doctor before using any type of over-the-counter remedy, especially if the irritation also occurs inside the vaginal area.
Prevention/Solution
The American Academy of Dermatology cautions that extremely dry skin can lead to eczema, an inflammation of the skin, which can cause itching and red bumps on your thighs and legs. The friction of your clothing against your thighs and legs can further irritate this skin condition. The academy suggests preventing dry skin by bathing in warm -- not hot -- water and using a mild, fragrance-free soap or moisturizing cleanser. After bathing or showering, moisturize immediately with a thick moisturizer.
Warning
Although a less common cause of red bumps than dermatitis or eczema, certain skin cancers can cause a red, bumpy rash on the lower legs, cautions the DermNetNZ website. Skin cancers can have few, if any, additional symptoms. They can take the form of slower growing red patches or faster-growing lumps. Early removal and treatment can often help prevent skin cancers from causing further complications.
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