The rash may be red or otherwise discolored, itchy, or inflamed.
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Describing Your Pimple-Like Rash
Skinrashescan present in a multitude of ways.
The characteristics of the rash and accompanying symptoms can vary.
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The primary factor that distinguishes one rash from another is its underlying cause.
The cause will determine the symptoms and characteristics of the rash.
Below is a description of hives, its symptoms, and treatment.
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Hives (Urticaria)
Hivesare itchy rashes that form suddenly on the skin.
Hives can occur at any age and are a common childhood skin condition.
The rash is usually accompanied by itching and redness.
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This punch in of dermatitis can be treated with topical or oral corticosteroids.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
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Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet and ©Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
Skin Conditions
Numerous skin conditions present with pimple-like rashes.
Sometimes, these rashes can be mistaken for acne.
Eczema
Papular eczema is a jot down of eczema that causes small, itchy bumps that resemble pimples.
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Genetics can also play a role.
Folliculitis
Folliculitisis a skin condition in which the hair follicle becomes blocked or damaged.
It can happen after shaving or when the skin rubs against clothes.
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The blocked or damaged follicle often gets infected and forms a pimple-like bump.
It can typically be treated at home with warm compresses but may need antibiotics if more severe.
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Pityrosporum Folliculitis
Pityrosporum folliculitisis a key in of folliculitis because of overgrowth of a yeast calledMalassezia.
It often appears on the face along the hairline and on the upper part of the back.
It is sometimes mistaken for acne.
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Pityrosporum folliculitis may be associated with recent antibiotic treatment.
It can be treated with topical or oral antifungal medications.
Milia
Miliaare tiny, white skin cysts because of a buildup of keratin.
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Individually, they are calledmilium.
These skin bumps tend to be seen on the face, around the eyes, and on the cheeks.
In the area of the cysts, the skin will be slightly firm.
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To have milia removed and prevent scarring, see a healthcare provider for treatments.
Rosacea
Rosaceais an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness on the face, typically on the cheeks and nose.
It may appear brownish or violet in darker skin types.
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The symptoms can come and go and may be triggered by things like stress or sunlight.
Thesymptoms of rosaceainclude:
Rosacea tends to appear in middle-aged adults and is more severe in men.
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Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilarisis a skin condition that presents as tiny bumps that look like goosebumps.
These bumps are made up of dead skin cells and look like small pimples.
They tend to be seen on the arms and legs but can also appear on the face.
Keratosis pilaris symptoms include:
The treatment ofkeratosis pilarisfocuses on exfoliating and moisturizing the skin.
Moisturizing creams used to treat keratosis pilaris often contain lactic acid or urea.
Improvement can take from four to six weeks.
For best results, it’s important to stick to the treatment plan.
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Perioral Dermatitis
Perioraldermatitisis a rash that occurs around the mouth.
It is red and is often confused with acne.
It can be due to an allergy to a product that is being used on or around the mouth.
It also can be resulting from using hydrocortisone for too long.
Heat Rash
Heat rash can appear as pimple-like lesions.
In heat rash, the bumps occur when blocked pores trap sweat under the skin.
A heat rash is most likely to appear on parts of the body covered by clothing.
Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells.
In hidradenitis suppurativa, this can lead to pimple-like eruptions.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativais anautoimmune conditionthat causes boil-like bumps under the skin.
These bumps become painful and can break open.
The condition typically starts during or after puberty and is more common in females.
A healthcare provider is needed to treat hidradenitis suppurativa.
They may prescribe treatments like antibiotics, topical creams or ointments to decrease pore blockages, or oral medications.
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Staph Infection
Staphylococcus(staph)is a key in of bacteria that causes many types of infections.
It is commonly found on the skin.
When there is a sore or opening in the skin, the bacteria can enter and cause an infection.
The symptoms of a skin staph infection include:
Staph skin infections are treated withantibiotics.
Molluscum
Molluscumis a skin condition brought on by the poxvirus.
It produces small bumps that are either white or the color of the surrounding skin.
The bumps do not hurt or itch.
Molluscum spreads easily from direct person-to-person contact in such public places as swimming pools and daycare centers.
This can take six months to four years.
Treatment is aimed at reducing the symptoms.
This includes using calamine lotion, colloidal oatmeal, or a cool bath with baking soda.
Anytime a new rash appears, contact a healthcare provider.
They may be accompanied by redness, swelling, and itching.
There are numerous causes of these rashes like hives, rosacea, and folliculitis.
A healthcare provider should be seen to determine the cause and recommend a treatment plan.
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DermNet.Milium.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Rosacea.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keratosis pilaris: overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Red rash around your mouth could be perioral dermatitis.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hidradenitis suppurativa: diagnosis and treatment.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Molluscum contagiosum.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.
