10 Causes of Red, Itchy, Burning Skin Bumps: Allergies, Infections, and Chronic Conditions

1. Allergic contact dermatitis: Foods, meds, pollen, dust mite, nickel, fragrance.
2. Insect bites/stings: Mosquito, bee, spider — localized reaction.
3. Irritant contact dermatitis: Chemicals, soaps, plants (poison ivy), jewelry.
4. Sunburn: UV damage → erythema, tenderness, desquamation.
5. Viral exanthems: Chickenpox (vesicles), shingles (dermatomal, burning).
6. Atopic dermatitis (eczema): Chronic, flexural, lichenified, intense itch.
7. Psoriasis: Well-demarcated plaques, silvery scale, Koebner, nail pitting.
8. Drug eruption: Morphilliform, urticarial, SJS/TEN (emergency).
9. Urticaria (hives): Transient wheals, angioedema, histamine-mediated.
10. Skin infections: Impetigo (honey crust), folliculitis, tinea (ringworm), cellulitis.

When to See a Clinician

Widespread, painful, blistering, mucosal involvement, fever, rapid spread, no improvement with OTC care. Biopsy/culture may be needed.