Rash with bumps on legs
Causes of Red Bumps and Spots on Legs
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.It’s not likely that you panic when you spot red bumps on your legs. In most instances, you shouldn’t. But red bumps can be itchy and annoying. Occasionally, red bumps on your legs are the sign of a more serious condition.
Red bumps can be caused by allergies, insect bites, and certain skin conditions. The sources of bumps and rashes often vary by age and health condition.
If you’re wondering about red bumps on your legs, consider some of the most common culprits.
If the red bumps… | Then it might be |
do not itch or itch very little | keratosis pilaris |
go away without treatment | folliculitis or hives |
blister and ooze a clear fluid | eczema |
turn white when you press them | hives |
itch a lot | insect bites or eczema |
have a scaly quality | eczema or psoriasis |
are accompanied by night sweats and weight loss | vasculitis |
are shiny and resemble open sores | skin cancer |
Do you have small red or white bumps that resemble goosebumps on the fleshier areas of your thighs and arms? If they don’t itch or they itch very little, they may well be keratosis pilaris. This is a common condition, affecting approximately 50 to 80 percent of adolescents, and 40 percent of adults, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Keratosis pilaris occurs when your pores are clogged with the protein keratin. Keratin is found in your skin, nails, and hair. You’re more likely to get keratosis pilaris if you have dry skin or eczema.
How it’s treated: Although the condition is harmless, you may want to talk to your doctor about using treatments such as medicated creams. There are several types of over-the-counter (OTC) medicated creams that are designed to help loosen and remove dead skin cells.
Look for products that contain ingredients such as:
- salicylic acid
- alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as lactic acid
- urea
Medicated creams may be especially beneficial when used with thick moisturizing creams. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for this condition, but keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized should help.
In severe cases, laser therapy may be used.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for keratosis pilaris treatments.
Also shop for products containing salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic acid, and urea.
Folliculitis is typically caused by an infection in the hair follicles of the scalp or on areas of the body that have been shaved. It’s mostly caused by staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). Folliculitis can also be caused by inflammation from ingrown hairs, viruses, or fungi.
It results in small red bumps or pimples on the skin, which you may know as razor burn or razor rash. Shaving, tight clothing, and the combination of heat and sweat are typical sources of folliculitis. Folliculitis can affect people of all ages, but there are certain factors which may increase your risk. You may be at higher risk of this condition if you:
- have a condition that negatively affects your immune system, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), diabetes, HIV, or AIDS
- have acne, especially if you’ve taken antibiotics for acne long-term
- have eczema
- have skin that’s been damaged from hair removal techniques, such as shaving against the grain or waxing
- have curly facial hair, or hair that’s prone to becoming ingrown
- wear tight clothing, or clothing made of materials which trap in heat
- frequent hot tubs which aren’t well-maintained or sanitary
Folliculitis can be itchy and uncomfortable. However, it isn’t serious unless it progresses to a more severe type of infection. These severe infections may include boils, carbuncles, and cellulitis.
How it’s treated: Folliculitis usually clears up on its own. If it lasts longer than 10 days or it worsens, you should see your doctor. Antibiotics in the form of pills or creams are typically used to treat persistent or severe folliculitis.
If the red spots combine in patches and itch like crazy, you may have eczema. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition. Eczema may be dry and scaly, or it can blister and ooze a clear fluid. Eczema tends to flare up at times. Common triggers include:
- soaps and detergents
- cleaning products
- perfumes
- cosmetics
- animal fur or dander
- wool
- sweat and heat
- cold, dry conditions
- stress
The cause of eczema is not fully understood, but there are some common patterns:
- Eczema often runs in families.
- You have a greater likelihood of getting eczema if you or a family member has asthma or seasonal allergies.
- Eczema is more common in urban areas with high levels of pollution and in colder climates.
- Children born to older mothers are more likely to have the condition.
Although people of all ages can have eczema, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that 85 percent of cases begin in children under the age of five. Another study found that 50 percent of people who had eczema as a child continue to have some signs of the condition in adulthood.
Like most skin conditions, eczema can become infected. Additionally, if you have eczema, avoid being around people who have cold sores or chicken pox. Exposure to the viruses that cause these conditions puts you at risk of getting eczema herpeticum, a severe, rapidly spreading infection.
How it’s treated: A number of medications are used to treat eczema, including antibiotics, antihistamines, and corticosteroids. Your doctor will help you find the medications that are most effective for you.
Regular use of non-medicated moisturizing creams and ointments are also usually recommended for treatment and prevention of eczema flares. Your doctor also will work with you to identify eczema triggers and reduce your exposure to them.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for eczema creams and lotions.
Approximately 20 percent of people will get hives in their lifetime, says the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). Hives, also called urticaria, are raised, itchy, red or skin-tone welts. They turn white when you press their center. Hives can appear anywhere on the body, and people of all ages get them.
You can get hives in response to a wide range of triggers, such as:
- some foods
- medications
- pollen
- latex
- insects
- cold
- heat or the sun, in a condition known as solar urticaria
Hives are also associated with certain conditions, including:
- colds or other viral infections
- sinusitis, strep throat, or other bacterial infections
- mononucleosis
- hepatitis
- autoimmune diseases
Hives are generally not serious unless accompanied by a more systemic allergic reaction. Seek urgent medical attention if you have the following symptoms:
- trouble breathing or swallowing
- coughing
- wheezing
- dizziness
- abdominal pain or vomiting
- swelling of your face or tongue
How it’s treated: Hives often go away without treatment, except in cases of an allergic reaction. Antihistamines are the most commonly used medication for treatment of hives.
You may use both OTC and prescription antihistamines for hives caused by an allergic reaction. For initial treatment, you’ll likely be recommended a non-sedating antihistamine. Examples include loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra).
If those medications don’t get rid of the hives, you’ll also add a sedating antihistamine at night. Examples include diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and the prescription medication hydroxyzine (Atarax).
In some cases, oral steroids may be prescribed. Injections of the steroid betamethasone (Celustone) might also be needed to treat hives.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for non-sedating antihistamines, such as loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine.
Shop Now
Shop for sedating antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine.
Your little red bumps may be bug bites — especially if they itch like the devil. Common culprits in the insect kingdom include:
Fire ants
Fire ant bites are actually stings, which may appear as raised clusters. These raised, red bumps sometimes contain pus. They may be accompanied by welts, followed by blisters.
How it’s treated: Treatment includes a variety of antihistamines, cold compresses, and pain medication.
Oral pain medications that may provide relief include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). A topical pain medication that can be used is lidocaine (Solarcaine).
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for antihistamines.
Shop Now
Shop for cold compresses.
Shop for pain medications, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and lidocaine.
Mosquitoes
Mosquito bites can be hard to the touch. They can occur as solo bumps, or you may see several in a cluster. They may or may not turn red.
How it’s treated: The itch from mosquito bites can be reduced with topical use of witch hazel or hydrocortisone cream.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for witch hazel and hydrocortisone creams.
Shop Now
Fleas
Fleabites appear in multiple clusters, each with three or four red, raised bumps. There’s a lighter red circle around each bump. The bumps may bleed.
If your bites fill with pus, you should have them checked by a doctor.
How it’s treated: Hydrocortisone creams and antihistamines are usually enough to reduce the itch.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for hydrocortisone creams and antihistamines.
Shop Now
Chiggers
Chigger bites result in small, red, itchy bumps, each with a bright red dot in the center. They can cause intense itching.
How it’s treated: Itching may be reduced with hydrocortisone creams.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for hydrocortisone creams.
Shop Now
Lice
Lice bites can occur on the head, in the pubic area, or on the body. The bites look like red or pink clusters. You may see eggs along with the bumps.
How it’s treated: Reducing the lice infestation by combing out the eggs, and using topical creams designed for this purpose, will help to eliminate the bumps.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for lice treatments. Also shop for lice combs.
Shop Now
Bed bugs
Bed bug bites can look like red lines made up of dots, which may be flat or raised.
How it’s treated: The itching can be reduced with hydrocortisone creams and antihistamines.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for hydrocortisone creams and antihistamines.
Shop Now
Scabies
Scabies leads to raised, red bumps which may appear along wavy lines. The wavy lines are made by the burrowing insects.
How it’s treated: Treatment requires a scabicide cream such as permethrin (Eilimite). It kills scabies mites and their eggs.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for scabies creams.
Shop Now
General tips
The itching caused by most bug bites may be helped by:
- oral or topical corticosteroids
- a variety of OTC or prescription antihistamines, which may be taken orally or applied topically
- ice or cool compresses
- an application of calamine lotion
Remember that prevention, in the form of insect repellents and keeping your skin covered, is the most important step in keeping bloodthirsty critters away.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for antihistamines, such as loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, and diphenhydramine.
Shop for cold compresses, calamine lotions, and insect repellents.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. One form of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, is characterized by small reddish or pinkish spots that may also have a scaly quality. Spots are likely to occur on the trunk and limbs. Guttate psoriasis is the second most common type of psoriasis, following plaque psoriasis. It may cause hundreds of spots to occur at one time.
Triggers or risk factors for guttate psoriasis include:
- tonsillitis
- strep throat or other strep infections
- upper respiratory infection
- skin injury
- medications, such as beta-blockers or antimalarial drugs
- high levels of stress
How it’s treated: Topical ointments, such as corticosteroids, can be effective at reducing outbreaks. If the bumps are very widespread, they may also be cumbersome to apply. Phototherapy treatments may also be used. These treatments may involve ultraviolet light or a combination of ultraviolet light and a light-sensitizing medication such as psoralen.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for psoriasis treatments.
Shop Now
There are several different types of skin cancer which may appear like red bumps on the skin. These include basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and Bowen’s disease. Skin cancer is typically caused by unprotected, chronic exposure to the sun.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas are abnormal growths which form in the skin’s basal cell layer. They often appear as one small and shiny red bump, and they can look like an open sore.
How it’s treated: BCCs must be removed surgically.
Bowen’s disease
Bowen’s disease is an early form of skin cancer. It appears on the surface of the skin and is also referred to as squamous cell carcinoma in situ. It resembles a reddish, scaly patch, which may ooze, crust over, or itch. In addition to sun exposure, Bowen’s disease may be caused by exposure to arsenic or human papilloma virus 16 (HPV 16). HPV 16 is the wart virus associated with cervical cancer.
How it’s treated: Patches caused by Bowen’s disease must also be removed surgically.
Vasculitis is a condition which causes inflammation of the blood vessels. This decrease in the flow of blood results on a wide range of symptoms, including:
- aches and pains
- weight loss
- night sweats
- rashes
There are many types of vasculitis, most of which are rare. Some of them have red skin bumps as a symptom, including:
Hypersensitivity vasculitis
Hypersensitivity vasculitis is also known as allergic vasculitis. It’s marked by red spots on the skin, which often appear on the lower legs. An outbreak may be triggered by infection or adverse reaction to medications such as antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, and gout medications.
How it’s treated: In most cases, no treatment is required. Some people may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids to help with joint pain.
Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease, or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is most often seen in children under five years of age. Symptoms include skin rash, swollen tongue, red eyes, and fever. Its cause is unknown.
How it’s treated: This condition can become dangerous if not caught and treated early. Treatment usually consists of intravenous immunoglobulin.
If you have an outbreak of red bumps on your legs, you’ll want to eliminate their itch as well as their physical presence. There are a number of at-home remedies you can try, including:
- Aloe vera gel. You can purchase aloe vera gel commercially or cut open the plant and use the sticky substance inside its leaves.
- Apple cider vinegar and white vinegar. When applied topically, either type of vinegar can help to soothe itchy skin.
- Calamine lotion. Calamine lotion can be applied topically on red bumps.
- Witch hazel. Simply pour witch hazel on the affected area.
- Oatmeal. Oatmeal contains chemicals called avenanthramides that reduce itching and inflammation. They also block the action of histamines — the chemicals in your body that cause allergic reactions. Try oatmeal compresses, ointments, or bath treatments. Treatments that use colloidal oatmeal are soothing for irritated or itchy skin.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for aloe vera gels.
Shop Now
Shop for apple cider vinegar and white vinegar.
Shop for calamine lotions, and witch hazel.
Also shop for oatmeal treatments and colloidal oatmeal.
Normally, the presence of little red bumps on your legs isn’t a matter of concern. But skin conditions carry the risk of becoming more serious infections. Treat your rash as recommended by your doctor and keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as:
- increasing redness or swelling around the bumps
- redness streaking from the rash
- pain
- fever
- blisters
Causes of Red Bumps and Spots on Legs
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.It’s not likely that you panic when you spot red bumps on your legs. In most instances, you shouldn’t. But red bumps can be itchy and annoying. Occasionally, red bumps on your legs are the sign of a more serious condition.
Red bumps can be caused by allergies, insect bites, and certain skin conditions. The sources of bumps and rashes often vary by age and health condition.
If you’re wondering about red bumps on your legs, consider some of the most common culprits.
If the red bumps… | Then it might be |
do not itch or itch very little | keratosis pilaris |
go away without treatment | folliculitis or hives |
blister and ooze a clear fluid | eczema |
turn white when you press them | hives |
itch a lot | insect bites or eczema |
have a scaly quality | eczema or psoriasis |
are accompanied by night sweats and weight loss | vasculitis |
are shiny and resemble open sores | skin cancer |
Do you have small red or white bumps that resemble goosebumps on the fleshier areas of your thighs and arms? If they don’t itch or they itch very little, they may well be keratosis pilaris. This is a common condition, affecting approximately 50 to 80 percent of adolescents, and 40 percent of adults, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Keratosis pilaris occurs when your pores are clogged with the protein keratin. Keratin is found in your skin, nails, and hair. You’re more likely to get keratosis pilaris if you have dry skin or eczema.
How it’s treated: Although the condition is harmless, you may want to talk to your doctor about using treatments such as medicated creams. There are several types of over-the-counter (OTC) medicated creams that are designed to help loosen and remove dead skin cells.
Look for products that contain ingredients such as:
- salicylic acid
- alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as lactic acid
- urea
Medicated creams may be especially beneficial when used with thick moisturizing creams. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for this condition, but keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized should help.
In severe cases, laser therapy may be used.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for keratosis pilaris treatments.
Also shop for products containing salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic acid, and urea.
Folliculitis is typically caused by an infection in the hair follicles of the scalp or on areas of the body that have been shaved. It’s mostly caused by staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). Folliculitis can also be caused by inflammation from ingrown hairs, viruses, or fungi.
It results in small red bumps or pimples on the skin, which you may know as razor burn or razor rash. Shaving, tight clothing, and the combination of heat and sweat are typical sources of folliculitis. Folliculitis can affect people of all ages, but there are certain factors which may increase your risk. You may be at higher risk of this condition if you:
- have a condition that negatively affects your immune system, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), diabetes, HIV, or AIDS
- have acne, especially if you’ve taken antibiotics for acne long-term
- have eczema
- have skin that’s been damaged from hair removal techniques, such as shaving against the grain or waxing
- have curly facial hair, or hair that’s prone to becoming ingrown
- wear tight clothing, or clothing made of materials which trap in heat
- frequent hot tubs which aren’t well-maintained or sanitary
Folliculitis can be itchy and uncomfortable. However, it isn’t serious unless it progresses to a more severe type of infection. These severe infections may include boils, carbuncles, and cellulitis.
How it’s treated: Folliculitis usually clears up on its own. If it lasts longer than 10 days or it worsens, you should see your doctor. Antibiotics in the form of pills or creams are typically used to treat persistent or severe folliculitis.
If the red spots combine in patches and itch like crazy, you may have eczema. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition. Eczema may be dry and scaly, or it can blister and ooze a clear fluid. Eczema tends to flare up at times. Common triggers include:
- soaps and detergents
- cleaning products
- perfumes
- cosmetics
- animal fur or dander
- wool
- sweat and heat
- cold, dry conditions
- stress
The cause of eczema is not fully understood, but there are some common patterns:
- Eczema often runs in families.
- You have a greater likelihood of getting eczema if you or a family member has asthma or seasonal allergies.
- Eczema is more common in urban areas with high levels of pollution and in colder climates.
- Children born to older mothers are more likely to have the condition.
Although people of all ages can have eczema, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that 85 percent of cases begin in children under the age of five. Another study found that 50 percent of people who had eczema as a child continue to have some signs of the condition in adulthood.
Like most skin conditions, eczema can become infected. Additionally, if you have eczema, avoid being around people who have cold sores or chicken pox. Exposure to the viruses that cause these conditions puts you at risk of getting eczema herpeticum, a severe, rapidly spreading infection.
How it’s treated: A number of medications are used to treat eczema, including antibiotics, antihistamines, and corticosteroids. Your doctor will help you find the medications that are most effective for you.
Regular use of non-medicated moisturizing creams and ointments are also usually recommended for treatment and prevention of eczema flares. Your doctor also will work with you to identify eczema triggers and reduce your exposure to them.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for eczema creams and lotions.
Approximately 20 percent of people will get hives in their lifetime, says the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). Hives, also called urticaria, are raised, itchy, red or skin-tone welts. They turn white when you press their center. Hives can appear anywhere on the body, and people of all ages get them.
You can get hives in response to a wide range of triggers, such as:
- some foods
- medications
- pollen
- latex
- insects
- cold
- heat or the sun, in a condition known as solar urticaria
Hives are also associated with certain conditions, including:
- colds or other viral infections
- sinusitis, strep throat, or other bacterial infections
- mononucleosis
- hepatitis
- autoimmune diseases
Hives are generally not serious unless accompanied by a more systemic allergic reaction. Seek urgent medical attention if you have the following symptoms:
- trouble breathing or swallowing
- coughing
- wheezing
- dizziness
- abdominal pain or vomiting
- swelling of your face or tongue
How it’s treated: Hives often go away without treatment, except in cases of an allergic reaction. Antihistamines are the most commonly used medication for treatment of hives.
You may use both OTC and prescription antihistamines for hives caused by an allergic reaction. For initial treatment, you’ll likely be recommended a non-sedating antihistamine. Examples include loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra).
If those medications don’t get rid of the hives, you’ll also add a sedating antihistamine at night. Examples include diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and the prescription medication hydroxyzine (Atarax).
In some cases, oral steroids may be prescribed. Injections of the steroid betamethasone (Celustone) might also be needed to treat hives.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for non-sedating antihistamines, such as loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine.
Shop Now
Shop for sedating antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine.
Your little red bumps may be bug bites — especially if they itch like the devil. Common culprits in the insect kingdom include:
Fire ants
Fire ant bites are actually stings, which may appear as raised clusters. These raised, red bumps sometimes contain pus. They may be accompanied by welts, followed by blisters.
How it’s treated: Treatment includes a variety of antihistamines, cold compresses, and pain medication.
Oral pain medications that may provide relief include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). A topical pain medication that can be used is lidocaine (Solarcaine).
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for antihistamines.
Shop Now
Shop for cold compresses.
Shop for pain medications, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and lidocaine.
Mosquitoes
Mosquito bites can be hard to the touch. They can occur as solo bumps, or you may see several in a cluster. They may or may not turn red.
How it’s treated: The itch from mosquito bites can be reduced with topical use of witch hazel or hydrocortisone cream.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for witch hazel and hydrocortisone creams.
Shop Now
Fleas
Fleabites appear in multiple clusters, each with three or four red, raised bumps. There’s a lighter red circle around each bump. The bumps may bleed.
If your bites fill with pus, you should have them checked by a doctor.
How it’s treated: Hydrocortisone creams and antihistamines are usually enough to reduce the itch.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for hydrocortisone creams and antihistamines.
Shop Now
Chiggers
Chigger bites result in small, red, itchy bumps, each with a bright red dot in the center. They can cause intense itching.
How it’s treated: Itching may be reduced with hydrocortisone creams.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for hydrocortisone creams.
Shop Now
Lice
Lice bites can occur on the head, in the pubic area, or on the body. The bites look like red or pink clusters. You may see eggs along with the bumps.
How it’s treated: Reducing the lice infestation by combing out the eggs, and using topical creams designed for this purpose, will help to eliminate the bumps.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for lice treatments. Also shop for lice combs.
Shop Now
Bed bugs
Bed bug bites can look like red lines made up of dots, which may be flat or raised.
How it’s treated: The itching can be reduced with hydrocortisone creams and antihistamines.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for hydrocortisone creams and antihistamines.
Shop Now
Scabies
Scabies leads to raised, red bumps which may appear along wavy lines. The wavy lines are made by the burrowing insects.
How it’s treated: Treatment requires a scabicide cream such as permethrin (Eilimite). It kills scabies mites and their eggs.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for scabies creams.
Shop Now
General tips
The itching caused by most bug bites may be helped by:
- oral or topical corticosteroids
- a variety of OTC or prescription antihistamines, which may be taken orally or applied topically
- ice or cool compresses
- an application of calamine lotion
Remember that prevention, in the form of insect repellents and keeping your skin covered, is the most important step in keeping bloodthirsty critters away.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for antihistamines, such as loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, and diphenhydramine.
Shop for cold compresses, calamine lotions, and insect repellents.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. One form of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, is characterized by small reddish or pinkish spots that may also have a scaly quality. Spots are likely to occur on the trunk and limbs. Guttate psoriasis is the second most common type of psoriasis, following plaque psoriasis. It may cause hundreds of spots to occur at one time.
Triggers or risk factors for guttate psoriasis include:
- tonsillitis
- strep throat or other strep infections
- upper respiratory infection
- skin injury
- medications, such as beta-blockers or antimalarial drugs
- high levels of stress
How it’s treated: Topical ointments, such as corticosteroids, can be effective at reducing outbreaks. If the bumps are very widespread, they may also be cumbersome to apply. Phototherapy treatments may also be used. These treatments may involve ultraviolet light or a combination of ultraviolet light and a light-sensitizing medication such as psoralen.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for psoriasis treatments.
Shop Now
There are several different types of skin cancer which may appear like red bumps on the skin. These include basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and Bowen’s disease. Skin cancer is typically caused by unprotected, chronic exposure to the sun.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas are abnormal growths which form in the skin’s basal cell layer. They often appear as one small and shiny red bump, and they can look like an open sore.
How it’s treated: BCCs must be removed surgically.
Bowen’s disease
Bowen’s disease is an early form of skin cancer. It appears on the surface of the skin and is also referred to as squamous cell carcinoma in situ. It resembles a reddish, scaly patch, which may ooze, crust over, or itch. In addition to sun exposure, Bowen’s disease may be caused by exposure to arsenic or human papilloma virus 16 (HPV 16). HPV 16 is the wart virus associated with cervical cancer.
How it’s treated: Patches caused by Bowen’s disease must also be removed surgically.
Vasculitis is a condition which causes inflammation of the blood vessels. This decrease in the flow of blood results on a wide range of symptoms, including:
- aches and pains
- weight loss
- night sweats
- rashes
There are many types of vasculitis, most of which are rare. Some of them have red skin bumps as a symptom, including:
Hypersensitivity vasculitis
Hypersensitivity vasculitis is also known as allergic vasculitis. It’s marked by red spots on the skin, which often appear on the lower legs. An outbreak may be triggered by infection or adverse reaction to medications such as antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, and gout medications.
How it’s treated: In most cases, no treatment is required. Some people may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids to help with joint pain.
Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease, or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is most often seen in children under five years of age. Symptoms include skin rash, swollen tongue, red eyes, and fever. Its cause is unknown.
How it’s treated: This condition can become dangerous if not caught and treated early. Treatment usually consists of intravenous immunoglobulin.
If you have an outbreak of red bumps on your legs, you’ll want to eliminate their itch as well as their physical presence. There are a number of at-home remedies you can try, including:
- Aloe vera gel. You can purchase aloe vera gel commercially or cut open the plant and use the sticky substance inside its leaves.
- Apple cider vinegar and white vinegar. When applied topically, either type of vinegar can help to soothe itchy skin.
- Calamine lotion. Calamine lotion can be applied topically on red bumps.
- Witch hazel. Simply pour witch hazel on the affected area.
- Oatmeal. Oatmeal contains chemicals called avenanthramides that reduce itching and inflammation. They also block the action of histamines — the chemicals in your body that cause allergic reactions. Try oatmeal compresses, ointments, or bath treatments. Treatments that use colloidal oatmeal are soothing for irritated or itchy skin.
Shop for OTC treatments: Shop for aloe vera gels.
Shop Now
Shop for apple cider vinegar and white vinegar.
Shop for calamine lotions, and witch hazel.
Also shop for oatmeal treatments and colloidal oatmeal.
Normally, the presence of little red bumps on your legs isn’t a matter of concern. But skin conditions carry the risk of becoming more serious infections. Treat your rash as recommended by your doctor and keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as:
- increasing redness or swelling around the bumps
- redness streaking from the rash
- pain
- fever
- blisters
Rash in a child on the body, legs, back
We treat children according to the principles of evidence-based medicine: we choose only those diagnostic and treatment methods that have proven their effectiveness. We will never prescribe unnecessary examinations and medicines!
Make an appointment via WhatsApp
Prices Doctors
The first children's clinic of evidence-based medicine in Moscow
No unnecessary examinations and medicines! We will prescribe only what has proven effective and will help your child.
Treatment according to world standards
We treat children with the same quality as in the best medical centers in the world.
The best team of doctors in Fantasy!
Pediatricians and subspecialists Fantasy - highly experienced doctors, members of professional societies. Doctors constantly improve their qualifications, undergo internships abroad.
Ultimate treatment safety
We made pediatric medicine safe! All our staff work according to the most stringent international standards JCI
We have fun, like visiting best friends
Game room, cheerful animator, gifts after the reception. We try to make friends with the child and do everything to make the little patient feel comfortable with us.
You can make an appointment by calling or by filling out the form on the website
Other Pediatric services
- Pediatrician's consultation
- Child Health Management Program
Frequent calls
- Acute bronchiolitis in children: diagnosis and treatment
- SARS
- Angina streptococcal tonsillitis
- Frequently ill child nine0034
- Intestinal infections
- Pneumonia (pneumonia) in children
- Colic
- Feeding problems
- Prolonged cough in a child: diagnosis and treatment
- Acute bronchitis in children: diagnosis and treatment
- Pneumonia (pneumonia) in children: diagnosis and treatment nine0034
- False croup in a child
- Coxsackie virus in a child
- The child was bitten by a tick! What to do?
Online payment
Documents online
Online services
- nine0079
Common skin rashes: how to distinguish them?
There are many different types of rashes. And despite the similarity between different types of rashes, they can be caused by different reasons and, accordingly, require different types of treatment. If some types of rashes do not bother a person, then others can signal serious health problems. In this context, it is important to be able to distinguish between different types of skin rashes in order to know when to see a doctor. nine0003
Acne. The most common type of skin rash is acne. Most people experience acne at some point in their lives. About 80% of people aged 11-30 suffer from acne. It usually develops during adolescence and affects areas of the skin on the face, back, and chest. However, some people also have acne in adulthood - about 1 in 20 women and 1 in 100 men.
Atopic dermatitis. Another common cause of skin rashes is atopic dermatitis, or eczema. It usually develops at an early age and is characterized by the appearance of dry, scaly patches on the scalp, forehead, and face during the first year of life. These scaly patches can also "bubble" and release fluid. Another unpleasant manifestation of atopic dermatitis is debilitating itching. If the symptoms of atopic dermatitis appear later in childhood, the rash may occur in the elbows or knees. Eczema also sometimes appears on the neck, wrists, ankles, between the buttocks and legs. A family history of psoriasis, asthma, or hay fever may affect the risk of developing atopic dermatitis. About 50% of people with severe forms of atopic dermatitis also have bronchial asthma, and about 66% have hay fever. The studies also revealed a link between atopic dermatitis and life in polluted areas of cities. nine0003
Urticaria. About 20% of individuals are affected at some point in their lives with hives, also known as urticarial rash. At the same time, watery, itchy bumps appear on the skin, which resemble insect bites. Urticaria can occur on any part of the body and "move" over the skin. As a rule, urticaria appears for a short period, but in chronic cases it can last more than 6 weeks.
Urticaria may be caused by exposure to certain foods such as peanuts, eggs, nuts, shellfish, and medications such as antibiotics, acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen. Other possible causes of hives include insect bites, blood transfusions, bacterial and viral infections, exposure to latex, animal dander, pollen, and plant venom. nine0003
Infectious diseases of the skin. A bacterial infection of the dermis - the deep layer of the skin - can lead to the development of cellulitis, a pathology characterized by swelling, redness and a rash on the skin, as well as systemic reactions - fever, chills, nausea. If a bacterial infection affects the hair follicles and does not penetrate the skin, the condition is called folliculitis. With this disease, acne occurs around individual hair follicles.
nine0002 Psoriasis. This pathology usually develops in patients aged 15–35 years, but can also occur in children and the elderly. This is an immune disease that is manifested by the appearance of red scaly spots on the skin.