Round red bumps on your skin can occur as a result of an allergic reaction or a fungal infection. Certain types of skin growths and cancers can also appear as red bumps on your body. Although most conditions causing these bumps are benign, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis so that you can treat the bumps.
Identification
Cherry angiomas -- known for their bright red color -- and dermatofibromas -- red to brownish-red bumps -- are benign skin growths. They can appear anywhere on the body, according to MedlinePlus, and usually do not cause any symptoms, except for mild itching or bleeding if injured.
The skin infection ringworm causes itchy, raised red rings with sharply-defined edges.
Itchy, round, red bumps are probably hives, which appear as part of an allergic reaction.
Misconceptions
Although the name makes it sound like a type of parasite, ringworm is actually a fungal skin infection. Ringworm can occur on your body or scalp, as well as on your feet and groin. When ringworm appears on the foot it is known as athlete's foot, and when it appears on the groin it is referred to as jock itch. Ringworm can spread via direct contact with the skin of an infected individual or by touching infected objects, such as towels, combs, clothing or shower or pool surfaces.
Treatment
MedlinePlus suggests using over-the-counter topical medications with miconazole, clotrimazole and similar ingredients to help clear up ringworm infections, but you might also need oral antibiotics if the ringworm spreads to your scalp or fails to clear up with over-the-counter treatment.
Cherry angiomas and dermatofibromas rarely need medical treatment unless you want them removed for cosmetic reasons or if they bleed or itch excessively.
Although hives usually disappear on their own, you will need to identify the allergen that caused the hives to prevent a recurrence.
Prevention/Solution
Because pets commonly transmit ringworm infections, do not touch an animal if it looks like a patch of fur is missing. Animals don't always show evidence of infection, so ask your vet to check your pet for ringworm if you experience an infection. Avoid sharing personal items, like towels, hairbrushes and clothing. Keep your skin dry and cool -- do not wear heavy clothes that cause you to sweat excessively. Wear shower shoes or sandals at gyms, pools and public showers.
Warning
Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type of skin cancer, can manifest as firm, round, red nodules on sun-exposed parts of your body, such as your arms, head, neck, ears and trunk. Although curable with early detection and treatment, untreated squamous cell carcinomas can destroy the surrounding tissue and spread to the lymph nodes and internal organs.
