Red bumps on the inside of your wrists are unsightly and uncomfortable, but not uncommon. They may have a very simple cause that you can discover and possibly treat yourself. However, it may save you time and discomfort to have them diagnosed by a physician. If the bumps are also in other locations, if you feel ill or if they suddenly appeared with no reasonable explanation, professional evaluation is especially important.
Types
Red bumps can be large or small, be infected or become infected, itch, burn or have no sensation at all. They can be scaly or smooth, flat or raised. They can be on one wrist or both and may blister or peel. The skin on the inside of the wrist is soft and has a good blood supply. It is often the lightest colored skin on the body and red bumps there are very visible.
Considerations
Whether or not the bumps itch can be a clue as to their cause. For example, psoriasis can appear on the inside of the wrist, but is more commonly seen on the outside of the wrist. It may or may not itch. Silvery scales are a clue to psoriasis. If there are similar non-itchy bumps on other parts of your body, there may be a systemic problem. Lichen planus is a skin condition common on the wrists as is the parasitic scabies. Painful bumps may be infections and should be watched closely.
Allergies
If the red bumps itch, they can be something as simple as bites. If you have pets or work with animals, their parasites may bite you on the wrists. With contact dermatitis, chemicals including your own perspiration can cause itchy red bumps on your wrists. Perspiration can be trapped under a watch or other jewelry, or you may be allergic to something in or on the jewelry. You may be able to determine if your red bumps are allergy- or irritant-related by not wearing a particular piece of jewelry or switching to chemical-free cleaning products. If these lifestyle changes do not make the red bumps go away, it is time to see your doctor.
Itching and Scratching
The normal reaction to itching is scratching. The "Merck Manual" says that scratching itself can cause bumps and red lines. A sensation of something under the skin can cause you to pick at it. The wrists, inner arms and upper back are common sites of this problem. This picking and scratching is uncomfortable, unsightly and can cause scarring. Some systemic diseases can cause itching, and psychological issues can make the problem worse. In most cases, there are medications that can help.
Self-Testing
If you suspect an allergic reaction to something, stop using it for a while and see if there is improvement. If the bumps are in the area of your watch, try wearing it on the other arm. If the bumps go away on the original side and appear on the other, you have an answer. Be careful to always rinse your wrists as well as you do your hands. Avoid hot water and strong cleansers. Gently pat the skin dry. Apply a hypoallergenic cream to the wrists often to moisturize the skin. The skin on the inside of the wrists can be very dry even though it looks normal.
Diagnosis and Treatments
If nothing seems to help, or the condition worsens, consult a dermatologist. You may need allergy testing and possibly other tests. In some cases, a dermatologist may perform a skin biopsy. If the condition is diagnosed as a skin condition, the dermatologist will be able to help you find both the cause and a treatment. If it appears that there is an internal or psychological component, both the dermatologist and your regular physician will be able to help.
References
- "Clinical Dermatology" Third Edition; Thomas P. Habif, M.D.; 1996
- DermNet NZ: Causes of localised itch
- "The Merck Manual" Seventeenth Edition; Editors Beers, MD and Berkow, MD; 1999
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