Red Bumps on Skin: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Red bumps (papules) have diverse causes. Accurate diagnosis guides treatment.

Common Causes

Red Flags (Seek Urgent Care)

• Rapidly spreading, painful, hot (cellulitis/necrotizing fasciitis)
• Fever, chills, sepsis signs
• Target lesions (erythema multiforme) or mucosal involvement (SJS/TEN)
• Non-blanching petechiae/purpura (meningococcemia, vasculitis)
• Associated joint pain, abdominal pain (Henoch-Schönlein purpura)

General Approach

1. Don't pick/squeeze.
2. Gentle cleansing; fragrance-free moisturizer.
3. OTC hydrocortisone 1% × 1 week for itch.
4. Antihistamine (cetirizine/loratadine) for urticaria.
5. If no improvement in 1–2 weeks, or red flags → dermatologist.

Photos help telehealth triage; biopsy sometimes needed.

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Condition	Key Features	Typical Treatment
Insect bites/stings	Itchy, seasonal, exposed skin; central punctum	Topical steroid, antihistamine, avoid scratching
Hives (urticaria)	Transient wheals (<24h), migratory, intensely itchy	Antihistamines; identify/avoid trigger
Acne vulgaris	Comedones, papules, pustules on face/chest/back	Topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)	Dry, itchy, lichenified patches; flexural	Moisturizers, topical steroids/calcineurin inhibitors
Psoriasis	Well-demarcated, silvery-scaled plaques; extensor surfaces	Topical steroids, vitamin D analogs, biologics
Contact dermatitis	Erythema, vesicles, itching at contact site	Avoid allergen/irritant; topical steroids
Folliculitis	Pustules centered on hair follicles	Antibacterial wash, topical/oral antibiotics
Keratosis pilaris	Rough, follicular bumps on arms/thighs/cheeks	Urea/lactic acid creams; benign
Drug eruption	Morbilliform rash; 7–14 days after new med	Discontinue culprit; supportive
Viral exanthems	Diffuse, often with fever/systemic symptoms	Supportive; specific antivirals if indicated