Itchy red bumps on skin can be due to different medical conditions

Dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, hives, heat rash or rashes caused by infectious organisms can all cause itchy red bumps on skin.¹ Identifying what they are is very important for treatment.

How do I know if the itchy red bumps are hives?

• Hives are raised, itchy red bumps on the skin which may feel like a mosquito bite. They are generated by the body within seconds, vary in size from small to the size of a dinner plate and may have a burning or painful sensation. There is sometimes swelling of the skin which can take up to 72 hours to disappear.²
• The affected skin will return to normal within 1-24 hours and there is no permanent mark left on it. In some people the new hives will appear every day, and this will continue for many weeks, months or years.²
• Hives are always associated with itchiness. The impact that the itch has on your life can range from a mild itch which you notice every now and again to a nasty itch that bothers you most of the time and can severely impact your quality of life.

Photo of hives. Used with permission from DermNet NZ.

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