Itchy bumps on the skin aren’t always mosquito bites and can have other causes.
They include other types of bug bites, infections, or skin irritations.
Other symptoms also may be present.
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Itchy bumpsdue to causes like fleas or a hives breakout will all require different remedies or treatments.
They are usually found in groups of three or four on the body.
Flea bites are very common in children.To treat flea bites, wash the area with soap and water.
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Apply calamine lotion or an anti-itch cream like over-the-counterhydrocortisone.
Try not to scratch the flea bites, as this can cause them to become infected.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
There can be just a few bumps or large red patches on the skin.
Hives have many different causes they can include:
Hives tend to resolve within a few days.
To relieve the itching, apply a cold washcloth to the area or use an anti-itch cream.
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Try not to scratch the hives and avoid things that trigger the hives.
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Bed Bugs
Bed bugsare tiny insects the size of a poppy seed.
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Bed bug bites appear as very itchy welts in a cluster of three to five spots.
These spots can form a zigzag pattern on the body.
There may also be tiny spots of blood on the person’s bedding.
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Common causes include plants, chemicals, jewelry, and cosmetic fragrances.
Acontact dermatitis rashcan vary in appearance.
It can appear as a red, itchy patch on the skin or as small itchy, fluid-filled blisters.
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The best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to avoid the triggers causing the rash.
In some cases, contact dermatitis may require you to use a corticosteroid prescription from a healthcare provider.
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Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org2023
Scabies
Scabiesis an itchy rash resulting from the human itch mite.
Mites are transmitted by skin contact between people, often in long-term care facilities.
However, if the person has already had scabies, the symptoms will begin within one to four days.
The bumps are fluid-filled blisters that usually last for three to four weeks.
There are so many causes of dyshidrotic eczema it can be hard to find a specific trigger.
They include:
To treatdyshidrotic eczema, apply cool compresses, anti-itch creams, and moisturize the skin.
In some cases, a prescription medication may be necessary.
However, it can be seen in people of all ages.
It appears as small, red, round raised patches on the skin.
These patches can be itchy.
If you cannot narrow down the cause, you should contact a healthcare provider.
A healthcare provider can review your health history and determine if testing is necessary.
Having a correct diagnosis will help you get started on the right treatment and provide faster healing.
When to Call Pest Control
Itchy bumps on the skin rarely require someone to contact pest control.
The one exception is for bed bugs.
Summary
There are several causes of itchy mosquito-like bumps on the skin.
They can be from insect bites, infections, or skin conditions.
Most of the time, these bumps can be treated at home.
When symptoms are too severe or do not resolve, it’s time to contact a healthcare provider.
You may need a prescription medication to target the cause and eliminate the itch.
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