Itchy red Bumps on Skin: Bed Bug Bites, Causes, after Sun Exposure, Scabies, Get Rid

Get insights on the causes of itchy red bumps on skin, especially after sun exposure, bed bug bites, scabies and the best home remedies to get rid of such skin bumps.

What Causes Itchy red Bumps on Skin

The following are some of the causes:

  1. Allergic Eczema

An allergic reaction can take a number of forms. Some people experience difficulty breathing, coughing, burning eyes and a runny nose when they’re having an allergic reaction. Other allergic reactions cause changes in the skin.
Allergic eczema is an itchy skin rash that develops when you come into contact with an allergen. The condition often occurs hours after you’ve been exposed to the substance that triggered the allergic reaction.
Allergic eczema may also develop when the skin is exposed to chemicals in the presence of sunlight. For example, an allergic reaction can occur after using sunscreen and spending time in the sun.
Allergic Eczema has the following symptoms’, although it varies from one person to another:

  • Itching
  • Itchy red bumps on skin that may ooze, drain, or crust
  • Inflammation
  • a burning sensation or pain

Their treatment will be carried out by a specialized physician by carrying out several tests in order to determine the main cause of itchy red bumps on skin.

  1. Athlete’s Foot

It is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet and can spread to the toenails and sometimes the hands. The fungal infection is called athlete’s foot because it’s commonly seen in athletes.
Athlete’s foot occurs when the tinea fungus grows on the feet since they thrives in warm, moist environments and is commonly found in showers, on locker room floors, and around swimming pools leading to itchy red bumps on skin that are difficult to cure.
Here are a few symptoms of these disgusting infections on an individual:

  • itching, stinging, and burning between the toes
  • blisters on the feet that itch
  • toenails that pull away from the nail bed
  • cracking and peeling skin on the feet, most commonly between the toes and on the soles

A dermatologist may diagnose athlete’s foot by the symptoms alone or may order a skin test if they aren’t sure if a fungal infection is causing your symptoms.

  1. Urticaria

They are itchy, raised welts that are found on the skin. They are usually red, pink, or flesh-colored, and sometimes sting or hurt. In most cases, hives are caused by an allergic reaction to a medication or food or a reaction to an irritant.
They are also a temporary problem that may be alleviated with allergy medications. Most rashes go away on their own. However, chronic cases, as well as urticaria accompanied by a severe allergic reaction, are bigger medical concerns.
They are usually caused by an allergic reaction to something that you have encountered or swallowed. When you are having an allergic reaction, your body begins to release histamines into your blood. Sometimes the histamines can cause swelling, itching, and many of the symptoms that are experienced with urticarial.
Urticarial has been grouped according to the way they are caused as below:

  • Allergic Reactions from foods or medication etc
  • Anaphylaxis which is accompanied with breathing difficulties, nausea or vomiting, severe swelling, and dizziness.
  • chronic urticarial which is marked by recurring itchy bumps on skin

You may not need prescription treatment if you are experiencing a mild case of hives not related to allergies or other health conditions.

  1. Milk Allergies

A milk allergy is an immune reaction to one of the many proteins in animal milk, although it is most often caused by the alpha S1-casein protein in cow’s milk.
Cow’s milk is the leading cause of allergic reactions in young children and one of eight foods that are responsible for 90 percent of childhood allergies.
Symptoms associated with reaction are:

  • skin rash
  • hives
  • abdominal cramps
  • wheezing
  • vomiting

Most pediatricians recommend soy-based formulas with added vitamins and minerals for babies allergic to milk.

  1. Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin condition. It usually occurs on the face, neck, and hands of young children and infants. Children who wear diapers also tend to get it around the diaper area. Impetigo is caused by two bacteria: streptococcus pyogenes and staphylococcus aureus.
There are different types of impetigo with their respective symptoms’:

  • Impetigo contagiosa

It is the most common type of impetigo in children. It is very contagious. This type of impetigo usually begins with red sores around the nose and mouth. These blisters burst, leaving a weeping, red rash that becomes crusted. This rash may be itchy but is not painful.

  • Bullous impetigo

It is most common in children under age two. Blisters usually appear first on the torso, arms, and legs. These blisters may initially appear clear and then turn cloudy. Blisters caused by bullous impetigo tend to last longer than blisters caused by other types of impetigo. The areas around the blisters may be itchy red bumps on skin.

  • Ecthyma

This is the most serious form of impetigo because it affects the second layer of the skin, rather than just the top layer. Blisters tend to be painful and may turn into ulcers, or aggravated, open sores.
Most cases of impetigo can be diagnosed through physical examination. However, your doctor may wish to take a culture to determine the type of bacteria that is causing your impetigo.

  1. Latex Allergies

A latex allergy occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to the normally harmless proteins as if they were invaders such as viruses or bacteria. A host of antibodies and chemicals including antihistamines are released, racing to the point of invasion where they cause an inflammatory immune response.
Allergic reactions to latex most often take the form of a rash at the point of contact leading to itchy red bumps on skin. It has the following symptoms:

  • itchy hands
  • skin rash, that may be warm to the touch
  • hives
  • eczema

Latex proteins can sometimes become airborne. When this happens, a hypersensitive person may unknowingly breathe them in and develop more severe reactions. Latex is so common in the modern world; it may be difficult to completely avoid exposure.

Itchy red Bumps on Skin Bed Bug Bites

Bed bugs feed on blood as their only source of nutrition. In order to mature into adults, they must feed once during each of their immature stages. Adult females also need blood in order to produce eggs.
Although bedbugs do bite humans, they are not known to transmit diseases to people instead they can cause itchy red bumps on skin of individuals.
Blood spots found on one’s sheets, bites and the presence of bed bug feces and cast skins are some of the indications of a bed bug infestation. Bites normally look like small, flat or raised areas that may become inflamed, itchy, red or blistered.
Scratching bed bug bites and failure to keep the bites clean and disinfected may lead to a secondary infection that can cause further itchy red bumps on skin and even swelling accompanied with bleeding.
Bed bug bites has the following symptom, although some may be temporary:

  • itching
  • red welts
  • small, red marks
  • slight burning sensation which develops to itchy red bumps on skin known as papules or wheals

If you develop a rash after being bitten by a bed bug, avoid scratching the affected area. If the rash persists or becomes infected, contact a medical professional immediately.
One bed bug will usually take more than one bite. Once a bed bug inserts its mouthparts and finds a suitable blood vessel, it will begin feeding. However, finding the right blood vessel may take more than one injection into the skin leading to itchy red bumps on skin.
In addition, bed bugs are very sensitive to movement by the host they are feeding on. Therefore, if a sleeping person moves, a feeding bed bug will probably withdraw its mouthparts and begin its search for a blood meal on another part of the body thus spreading itchy red bumps on skin.

Itchy red Bumps on Skin after Sun Exposure

A sun allergy is an immune system reaction to sunlight, most often, itchy red bumps on skin. The most common locations include the neck, the back of the hands, the outside surface of the arms and the lower legs. In rare cases, the skin reaction may be more severe, producing hives or small blisters that may even spread to skin in clothed areas.
Sun allergies are stimulated by changes that occur in sun-exposed skin. It is not clear why the body develops this reaction. However, the immune system recognizes some components of the sun-altered skin as “foreign,” and the body triggers its immune defenses against them. This produces an allergic reaction that takes the form of itchy red bumps on skin, tiny blisters or, rarely, some other type of skin eruption.
Sun allergies occur only in certain sensitive people, and in some cases, they can be triggered by only a few brief moments of sun exposure. Researchers do not know exactly why some people develop a sun allergy and others do not. There is evidence, however, that some forms of sun allergy are inherited.
Here are some of the most common sun allergies that causes itchy red bumps on skin of an individual:

  1. Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE)

This usually appears as an itchy red bumps on skin due sun-exposure and it is the second most common sun-related skin problem seen by dermatologist, after common sunburn. It occurs in an estimated 10% to 15% of the U.S. population, affecting people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. Women are affected by PMLE more often than men, and symptoms typically begin during young adult life.
In temperate climates, PMLE is usually rare in the winter, but common during the spring and summer months. In many cases, the PMLE rash returns every spring, immediately after the person begins spending more time outside.
As spring turns into summer, repeated sun exposure may cause the person to become less sensitive to sunlight, and the PMLE rash either may disappear totally or gradually become less severe.
Symptoms
It typically produces an itchy red bumps on skin or burning rash within the first two hours after sun exposure. The rash usually appears on sun-exposed portions of the neck, upper chest, arms and lower legs. In addition, there may be one to two hours of chills, headache, nausea and malaise (a general sick feeling).
In rare cases, PMLE may erupt as red plaques (flat, raised areas), small fluid-filled blisters or tiny areas of bleeding under the skin.

  1. Actinic prurigo

This inherited form of PMLE occurs in people of American Indian background. Its symptoms are usually more intense than those of classic PMLE, and they often begin earlier, during childhood or adolescence. Several generations of the same family may have a history of the problem.

  1. Photoallergic eruption

A skin reaction which is triggered by the effect of sunlight on a chemical that has been applied to the skin or ingested in a drug. Common prescription medicines that can cause a photoallergic eruption include antibiotics, phenothiazines used to treat psychiatric illness, diuretics for high blood pressure and heart failure, and certain oral contraceptives.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also has linked some cases of photoallergic reaction to the nonprescription pain relievers ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve, Naprosyn and others).
Symptoms include; itchy red bumps on skin or tiny blisters. In some cases, the skin eruption also spreads to skin that was covered by clothing. Because photoallergic eruption is a form of delayed hypersensitivity reaction, skin symptoms may not begin until one to two days after sun exposure.

  1. Solar urticarial

This form of sun allergy produces hives (large, itchy, red bumps) on sun-exposed skin. It is a rare condition that most often affects young women.
Symptoms
Hives usually appear on uncovered skin within minutes of exposure to sunlight.
They also have the following treatment in case the above symptoms erupt causing some changes on skin such as itchy red bumps on skin surface:

  • PMLE apply cool compresses to the areas of itchy red bumps on skin, or mist your skin with sprays of cool water. You can also try a nonprescription oral antihistamine to relieve itching, or a cream containing cortisone.
  • Actinic prurigo which may require prescription-strength corticosteroids, thalidomide (Thalomid), PUVA, antimalarial drugs and beta-carotene.
  • Photoallergic eruption such that the first goal of treatment is to identify and eliminate the medicine or skin care product that is triggering the allergic reaction. Skin symptoms usually can be treated with a corticosteroid cream.
  • Solar urticarial in case it is mild requires a nonprescription oral antihistamine to relieve itching, or an anti-itch skin cream containing cortisone.

Itchy red Bumps on Skin Spreading

We often assume that teenage skin conditions such as acne will end as we age. However, sometimes some skin conditions can happen both in teenage and in adulthood, for instance, you may have itchy red bumps on skin over the body.
Effective treatment of skin conditions including itchy red bumps on skin starts with identifying their causes. So to treat the itchy red bumps on skin over the body, you need to know possible causes:

  1. Scabies

Scabies is a contagious parasitic infection that is caused by Sarcoptesscabiei. One of the main symptoms of scabies is an extremely itchy skin. The itchiness is worse at night and in warm weather. A patient suffering from scabies has rashes in different body parts that include the back, hands, genitals and feet.
Treatment: scabies involves preventing further parasitic infestation. Doctors prescribe various lotions and creams to stop infestation. Doctors can also prescribe OTC antihistamines to relieve allergic symptoms associated with scabies.

  1. Hives

Hives or urticaria is one of the skin conditions that may cause itchy red bumps on skin all over body. Hives is a sudden outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps on the skin. These bumps or plagues sometimes result from allergic reactions.
Treatment: Treating hives start with identifying and removing the trigger. Doctors recommend antihistamines to relieve the symptoms.

  1. Pityriasisrosea

This is a common skin condition especially among younger adults. The root cause of pityriasisrosea is unknown but is often linked with viral infections. This condition starts with a single rash or a herald patch, which later spreads all over the body within 7 to 14 days.
Treatment: Pityriasisrosea rashes or patches fade without treatment within 6 to 8 weeks. However, you can relieve pityriasisrosea symptoms by taking allergy medicine or antihistamines such as diphenhydramine.

  1. Bedbug Infestation

Bedbug infestation may cause itchy red bumps on skin all over body. Bedbugs are small, ovaland brown insects that feed on animal and human blood. They have an elongated beak that allows them to bite and draw blood through the skin.
Treatment: Bedbug bites do not require any medical treatment. Self-care at home will relieve any itchiness or irritation caused by the bites. If the itchiness is severe, you may take over-the-counter antihistamines pills or apply diphenhydramine cream.

  1. Prickly Heat

Prickly heat rash or miliaria develops when a person sweats more than usual. Abnormal sweating blocks the sweat glands. Prickly heat rash is common in babies and children during hot and humid weather.
This is because their sweat glands are not fully developed to withstand such weather conditions. The major symptom of prickly heat rash is an itchy small red raised spots.
Treatment: A heat rash often clears on its own within a few days. You can relieve the rash by avoiding excessive heat and humidity. Take a cool shower, air-dry your skin, or use a fan to cool yourself.

How to Get Rid of Itchy red Bumps on Skin

Do you feel like scratching your skin all the time? Itchy red bumps on skin are a common problem that affects many people. Depending on the severity, it can be mildly disappointing to intensely aggravating, disrupting daily activities and sleep.
Itching can have varied causes like allergic reactions, insect bites, skin infections, dry weather, soaps and detergents, and even some medications.
While scratching gives momentary relief, it can also lead to injuries and infections or development of itchy bumps on skin. Many effective home remedies can give you relief and prevent complications caused by excessive scratching.
Here are a number of these home remedies:

  1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is the most common home remedy for itchy red bumps on skin as well as skin burns. Baking soda has a soothing effect due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it acts as a natural acid neutralizer that helps relieve itching.

  1. Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal (oats ground into an extremely fine powder) helps soothe and comfort itchy red bumps on skin. It contains anti-irritating, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that provide instant relief from itching.

  1. Cool Water

The sensations of both cold and itching travel along the same nerve fibers in the body, so applying cool water on the affected skin can bring instant relief from itchiness. There are many ways to use cool water for itchy red bumps on skin such as use of ice cubes or running cold water.

  1. Lemon

People have used lemon to treat itchy skin for ages. Lemon contains citric and acetic acids, which have great antiseptic, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-irritating properties.

  1. Apple Cider Vinegar

It contains antiseptic, anti-itching, antifungal and antibacterial properties that help get rid of itchy red bumps on skin once the affected is washed severally with a mixture of apple cider vinegar with Luke- warm water.

  1. Juniper Berries and Cloves

They are used together make an excellent home remedy for itchy skin. Juniper berries have great anti-inflammatory properties, and cloves contain a powerful essential oil that helps numb the nerve endings to reduce itching sensations.

  1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains excellent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Plus, it contains vitamin E that helps keep the skin moisturized and in turn reduces itching.

  1. Basil

Basil is a useful herb for getting rid of itchy skin. Basil contains a high amount of eugenol, a potent essential oil and topical anesthetic. Plus, it has compounds called camphor and thymol that effectively combat itching.
Direction

  • Extract the gel from one aloe vera leaf. Apply the gel on the affected area. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Follow this simple remedy once daily.
  • Alternatively, make a paste by adding one tablespoon of aloe vera gel to two tablespoons of green clay. Apply the paste on the affected area and allow it to dry on its own. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this once daily.
  1. Thyme

Thyme contains significant amounts of thymol, which has anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Thymol can numb the nerve fibers as well as reduce inflammation caused by excessive scratching.
Direction

  1. Add one tablespoon of dried thyme leaves to two cups of boiling water.
  2. Cover it and allow it to cool.
  3. Strain the solution.
  4. Use a clean cloth to apply the solution directly on the itchy skin.
  5. Do this as many times as necessary.
  1. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic and soothing properties that help relieve itching caused by dermatitis, scabies or stress.
Direction

  • Add several drops of peppermint oil to a bathtub filled with lukewarm water. Soak in this water for half an hour. Pat dry and then apply a moisturizing lotion. Do this once daily.
  • Add three or four drops of peppermint oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil like coconut, olive or almond oil. Apply the diluted peppermint oil to the affected skin area. Massage gently so the oil penetrates deep into the skin. Follow this remedy once or twice daily.

Reference   

  1. Sun Allergy (Photosensitivity): https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/sun-allergy-photosensitivity.html
  2. Itchy Bumps All Over Body: http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Itchy-Bumps-all-Over-Body.html
  3. How to Get Rid of Itchy Skin: http://www.top10homeremedies.com/how-to/get-rid-itchy-skin.html/2
  4. Bed Bug Bites: http://www.orkin.com/other/bed-bugs/bedbug-bites/