We often assume that teenage skin conditions such as acne will end as we age. However, sometimes some skin conditions can happen both in teenage and in adulthood, for instance, you may have itchy bumps all over body. This article outlines the causes and corresponding treatments for itchy bumps.

Itchy Bumps All Over Body: 5 Possible Causes and Corresponding Treatments

Effective treatment of skin conditions including itchy bumps starts with identifying their causes. So to treat the itchy bumps all over body, you need to know possible causes.

1.  Scabies

Scabies is a contagious parasitic infection that is caused by Sarcoptesscabiei. One of the main symptoms of scabies is an extremely itchy skin. The itchiness is worse at night and in warm weather. The bites of the mite are similar to mosquito bites. A patient suffering from scabies has rashes in different body parts that include the back, hands, genitals and feet.

Treatments: Treating scabies involves preventing further parasitic infestation. Doctors prescribe various lotions and creams to stop infestation. These include Lindane lotion, Permethrin cream, 5% and Ivermectin (Stromectol). In most prescriptions, you are required to apply the lotion or cream all over your body from neck down to feet. Leave the medication on your body for about eight hours. Doctors can also prescribe OTC antihistamines to relieve allergic symptoms associated with scabies.

2.  Hives

Hives or urticaria is one of the skin conditions that may cause itchy bumps all over body. Hives is a sudden outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps on the skin. These bumps or plagues sometimes result from allergic reactions. This condition causes burn, sting and itchiness. The bumps caused by hives can appear on your face, tongue, lips, ears, throator any other part of the body. Hives are in different sizes and sometimes several hives join together to form plagues. They last between hours to a day on your skin and then clear.

Treatment: Treating hives start with identifying and removing the trigger. Doctors recommend antihistamines to relieve the symptoms. They are most effective when used as a preventive measure. Antihistamines, oral corticosteroids and biologic drugs are used to treat chronic hives. Epinephrine injections and cortisone medication treat severe hives or angioedema outbreaks. Trying placing wet clothes on affected areas, staying in a cool room or wearing loose-fitting clothes can also help.

3.  Pityriasisrosea

This is a common skin condition especially among younger adults. The root cause of pityriasisrosea is unknown but is often linked with viral infections. This condition starts with a single rash or a herald patch, which later spreads all over the body within 7 to 14 days. Reddish rashes spread to the chest, back, arms and legs. These rashes are usually 2 to 10cm in size. You may mistake pityriasisrosea rashes with mosquito or other insects' bites. Pityriasisrosea patches appear like acne when swollen.

Treatment: Pityriasisrosea rashes or patches fade without treatment within 6 to 8 weeks. However, you can relieve pityriasisrosea symptoms by taking allergy medicine or antihistamines such as diphenhydramine. Taking a lukewarm or an oatmeal bath and avoiding soap when showering relieve symptoms. You can also apply a moisturizer, corticosteroid cream or calamine lotion. Your doctor may recommend antihistamines, corticosteroids and antiviral drugs such as acyclovir or Zovirax if rashes do not clear.

4.  Bedbug Infestation

Bedbug infestation may cause itchy bumps all over body. Bedbugs are small, ovaland brown insects that feed on animal and human blood. Bedbugs usually bite at night when people are sleeping and crawl over floors, walls and ceilings. They have an elongated beak that allows them to bite and draw blood through the skin. Bedbugs can bite any parts of skin that are exposed while sleeping. Bedbug bites are often confused with mosquito and fleabites and hence are hard to identify.

Treatment: Bedbug bites do not require any medical treatment. Self-care at home will relieve any itchiness or irritation caused by the bites. If the itchiness is severe, you may take over-the-counter antihistamines pills or apply diphenhydramine cream. Corticosteroid creams or hydrocortisone may also relieve itchiness and irritation for some individuals. You are advised to avoid scratching bedbug bites as this may lead to bacterial infections. The best treatment for bedbug bites is to prevent infestation.

5.  Prickly Heat

Prickly heat rash or miliaria develops when a person sweats more than usual. Abnormal sweating blocks the sweat glands. Prickly heat rash is common in babies and children during hot and humid weather. This is because their sweat glands are not fully developed to withstand such weather conditions. The major symptom of prickly heat rash is an itchy small red raised spots. The spots have a prickling or stinging sensation. This rash often affects the parts of the body covered by clothes including the back, neck, upper chest, abdomen, armpits and groin.

Treatment: A heat rash often clears on its own within a few days. You can relieve the rash by avoiding excessive heat and humidity. Take a cool shower, air-dry your skin, or use a fan to cool yourself. Avoid oil-based product after your skin is cool and dry as they block sweat glands again. Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to relieve itchiness and irritation.

When to See a Doctor

The discussion above outlines various causes of itchy bumps all over body. Antihistamines are the initial treatment for itchy bumps. However, if the redness, itchiness and irritation persist, seek medical attention from your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe a more effective treatment for the itchy bumps.