What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Itchy Pimples on the Skin
Rashes that develop into itchy pimples on the skin affect most people at one time or another, according to the Nemours Foundation 12. A rash, also called dermatitis, can appear in association with a fever or other symptoms that require medical attention. Many rashes disappear in time with no treatment. See a dermatologist if your rash continues unabated, appears suddenly and itches severely or if the bumps change shape.
Significance
Hives cause itchy red pimples and usually are the result of an allergic reaction to some substance. Hives can occur following contact with pollen, chemicals, soap, food or other irritants. Hives usually are accompanied by a fever and can be serious if the reaction also causes difficulty breathing, dizziness or swelling. According to Family Doctor, hives can be as small as a mosquito bite and last for only a few hours, or they can appear as large pimply splotches and last for days 1.
- Hives cause itchy red pimples and usually are the result of an allergic reaction to some substance.
Features
Itchy Purple Skin
Learn More
Acne is a common skin condition that usually affects adolescents and menopausal women because hormonal imbalances cause excess oil to fill the pores, which then become clogged and form a pimple. When a pimple becomes itchy, it usually means that the pore has become infected, typically due to squeezing or exposure to germs in some way. Antibiotics usually are prescribed for itchy pimples, followed up with topical creams that contain benzoyl peroxide or retinol.
Considerations
Dermatitis covers a wide range of skin conditions that produce itchy pimple-like bumps on the skin. According to Merck, the pimples result from inflammation in the upper layers of the skin. Dermatitis outbreaks can result from taking certain medications or when you come in contact with an irritant. Vericose veins can cause the inflammation and pimply sores. Constant scratching and infections also can cause itchy and bumps.
- Dermatitis covers a wide range of skin conditions that produce itchy pimple-like bumps on the skin.
Causes
How to Get Rid of an Allergic Reaction Rash
Learn More
Determining the cause of the itchy bumps can be difficult, according to Merck. The source of the irritation may be from a common household product. Cosmetics, clothing materials and soaps must be considered. You should pay attention to the location of the itchy pimples to find the source. For example, if you break out on your wrist, you may be allergic to an alloy in your watch or bracelet, or you may have sun sensitivity if the breakouts occur after ultraviolet ray exposure.
- Determining the cause of the itchy bumps can be difficult, according to Merck.
- For example, if you break out on your wrist, you may be allergic to an alloy in your watch or bracelet, or you may have sun sensitivity if the breakouts occur after ultraviolet ray exposure.
Diagnosis
According to Merck, a dermatologist can conduct skin patch tests that expose your skin to a wide variety of substances to watch for allergic reactions. The patch test is limited, however, because of the wide range of possibilities. The doctor may miss the one substance that is the actual cause of your pimple outbreaks.
Related Articles
References
- Family Doctor: Skin Rashes
- Nemours Foundation: Rashes
- Schaefer P. Acute and Chronic Urticaria: Evaluation and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2017 Jun 1;95(11):717-724.
- Handa S, De D, Mahajan R. Airborne contact dermatitis—Current perspectives in etiopathogenesis and management. Indian J Dermatol. 2011 Nov-Dec; 56(6): 700–706. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.91832
- Hives. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Updated May 2, 2017.
- Cabanillas B, Brehler AC, Novak N. Atopic dermatitis phenotypes and the need for personalized medicine. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2017 Aug;17(4):309-315. doi:10.1097/ACI.0000000000000376
- Jenerowicz D, Silny W, Dańczak-Pazdrowska A, Polańska A, Osmola-Mańkowska A, Olek-Hrab K. Environmental factors and allergic diseases. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2012;19(3):475-81.
- Mowad CM, Anderson B, Scheinman P, Pootongkam S, Nedorost S, Brod B. Allergic contact dermatitis: Patient management and education. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016 Jun;74(6):1043-54. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.02.1144
- Wallach D, Taïeb A. Atopic dermatitis/atopic eczema. Chem Immunol Allergy. 2104;100:81-96. doi:10.1159/000358606
Resources
Writer Bio
Linda Ray is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years reporting experience. She's covered business for newspapers and magazines, including the "Greenville News," "Success Magazine" and "American City Business Journals." Ray holds a journalism degree and teaches writing, career development and an FDIC course called "Money Smart."