As the body's largest organ the skin often manifests internal strife in the form of irritation, rashes, lesions or bumps. Small red bumps that appear on the stomach may be related to a host of health issues, some more serious than others. If any sort of unexplained rash or inflammation appears on the skin of your stomach, check in with your doctor or health care provider without delay.
Effects
A rash may be symptomatic of any number of medical conditions. Rashes may have bumps, scales, crusts, blisters or they may simply be red and itchy. Causes may include other diseases, irritating substances or your genetic makeup. In most cases, doctors diagnose skin rashes based on their appearance, as the underlying cause of a rash cannot be determined by blood tests, according to the Merck Online Medical Library.
Allergic Reactions
Any reaction to allergens that come into contact with the skin denotes allergic contact dermatitis, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Widespread allergens include medications, fragrances, nickel, preservatives, rubber, and certain plants, such as poison ivy and poison oak. Hair dyes, leather and paints are some other common allergens. If small red bumps appear on the stomach, check to see what has been in direct contact with the skin. Typically, the reaction responds to topical steroid ointments or oral antihistamines and heals itself once exposure to the allergen ceases.
Lichen Planus
This common skin irritation can affect the skin on the trunk or stomach, according to the online skin information site Skinsight.com. Lichen planus appear as individual lesions characterized by small, flat-topped, red-to-purple bumps. As lichen planus advances, the bumps can dry out and become scaly. They can also develop gray-to-white wisps or streaks known as Wickham's striae, according to Skinsight.com. Lichen planus typically itches.
Psoriasis Guttate
Guttate psoriasis typically begins in childhood or young adulthood; however, it can manifest quite suddenly, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis guttate materializes as small, red, individual spots, usually on the trunk and limbs. Various conditions can precipitate a guttate psoriasis attack, including streptococcal throat infections, upper respiratory infections, stress, tonsillitis, skin injury, and certain drugs, including beta-blockers and antimalarials.
Warning
According to the National Kidney Foundation, a reddish-purplish skin rash in the belly button region may indicate Fabry's disease, an inherited disorder that affects the kidneys. Fabry disease can be tricky to diagnose. It has many different symptoms and is often misdiagnosed. Kidney failure may occur in Fabry's disease. If other symptoms such as burning or tingling in the extremities and a decreased ability to sweat accompany the rash on your stomach, check with your doctor or health care provider.
References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Rashes
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Itching and Non-Infectious Rashes
- American Academy of Dermatology: Allergic Contact Rashes
- Skinsight: Lichen Planus in Adults: Condition, Treatment, and Pictures
- National Psoriasis Foundation: Psoriasis Guttate
- National Kidney Foundation: What You Need to Know About Fabry Disease
