Inflammatory reactions on your skin can produce red bumps. Red bumps may form around openings in your skin when those openings are damaged or exposed to other substances. The location and appearance of the red bumps can help your doctor diagnose what condition you are suffering from. Visit your doctor any time unexplained red bumps occur on your body or if your condition does not improve with over-the-counter treatment.
Pores
Pores and hair follicles cover most of your body. While the highest density of hair follicles are on your head, hair grows on every surface of your body except the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, eyelids and lips. If your pores or hair follicles become damaged or exposed to bacteria, a rash of red bumps may occur.
Acne
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when pores on the surface of your skin get clogged, a condition that can develop when your skin produces too much oil. Excess oil can cause dirt, debris and bacteria to accumulate within your pores and form a blackhead or whitehead plug. Inflammatory reactions that produce pimples or cysts can occur if the plug ruptures. A plug can be ruptured through the irritation, squeezing or scratching of the plug or when the plug fills with too much debris. Although pimples and cysts develop mostly on your face and shoulders, acne can also develop on the trunk of your body and on your arms, legs and buttocks.
Hot Tub Folliculitis
Hot tub folliculitis is a form of folliculitis, or the inflammation of hair follicles on your body, that is caused by the pseudomonas bacterium. It displays itself as a rash of red, round, itchy bumps that later may develop into small pus-filled blisters. Hot tub folliculitis can result when bacteria present in hot tubs and Jacuzzis without well-regulated chlorine and pH levels finds a home in an opening of your body, such as a sore.
Boils and Carbuncles
Boils and carbuncles are infections that occur when bacteria infect and inflame your hair follicles. Both conditions manifest as painful bumps filled with pus that form under your skin. Boils start as red and tender bumps that fill with pus and grow larger until they rupture. Carbuncles are clusters of connected boils. Boils may appear on your body in places that, due to hair or sweat, experience high levels of friction. Some common areas include your face, neck, armpits, buttocks or thighs.
Treatments
The treatment for your red bumps depends on your particular condition. Acne treatments include washing your skin with mild, non-drying and non-comedogenic soaps that do not clog your pores. Do not squeeze, scratch, pick or rub the pimples, as this can cause infection and scarring. Treatment for folliculitis may include topical antibiotic ointments or antipruritic ointments to help relieve the itching. You may treat small boils at home with a warm compresses to relieve pain and promote natural drainage, but do not pick at them. Your doctor may drain more severe boils with an incision or prescribe antibiotics.
