Skin Bumps and Itching Problem
Hello everyone, I'm a 17-year-old female reaching out for some advice. About a week ago, I began noticing small bumps appearing on my wrist. These bumps mostly match my skin tone, although they sometimes take on a pink hue and occasionally seem to contain a clear fluid. When I attempt to pop them, they regenerate rapidly, and the new bump tends to be larger, though they haven’t exceeded 0.5 cm in size. The itching is quite intense, and I've seen the bumps spreading over the past two weeks—from my wrists to my arms and torso, and now they're starting to appear on my legs and feet. The only area spared is my face. I've tried several remedies like Benadryl, Claritin, hydrocortisone cream, tea tree oil, aloe vera, afterbite, calamine lotion, polysporin anti-itch lotion, Zovirax, and witch hazel, but nothing seems to provide relief. A pharmacist suggested I use Claritin, yet it hasn't made any difference. I consulted with a doctor who seemed puzzled and even called in a second doctor for a second opinion. They suspect it might be shingles, but I'm skeptical about that diagnosis. I'm confident it's not a bug bite, but I can't figure out what's happening. For context, I take Prozac and use cannabis regularly, along with a hormonal patch, in case that contributes to this situation. The itching has become so disruptive that it's affecting my ability to get enough sleep. Also, can someone let me know how to post pictures here? Thanks!
Answers (1)
8/13/2025, 4:50:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating and uncomfortable skin issue that has been worsening. Your symptoms—a combination of small, itchy bumps that have been spreading—require careful attention, especially since traditional remedies haven't provided relief and it has affected your sleep.
Explanation
Your symptoms could point to a few possible skin conditions, such as eczema, an allergic reaction, or even a viral condition like shingles, though that seems less likely given your age and the spreading nature of the bumps. The clear fluid you've mentioned and the rapid regeneration of bumps suggest it may not be a straightforward case. The fact that conventional treatments, such as antihistamines and topical creams, have not worked indicates a need for a more precise approach.
Next Steps
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Symptom Diary: Start by keeping a detailed diary of your symptoms—note when the itching and bumps worsen, any new products you use, or foods you eat that could be contributing to the issue. This can help identify triggers.
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Avoid Irritants: Since many remedies you have tried contain various ingredients, stop applying any further topical treatments temporarily to avoid irritating your skin further. Stick to gentle, fragrance-free products.
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Cool Compresses: Applying cool compresses to the affected areas can help soothe itching and reduce inflammation. Do this several times a day for 15-20 minutes.
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Moisturize: Use a basic, fragrance-free moisturizer regularly to keep the skin hydrated. Sometimes, dryness can worsen itchiness.
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Over-the-Counter Solutions: If you haven't already, consider trying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream with a higher concentration (like 1%) to help reduce inflammation and itching.
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Consultation Follow-Up: Given that your condition is unresolved and worsening, it may be beneficial to seek a referral to a dermatologist. They can offer a more targeted approach and possibly conduct skin tests to better understand the cause.
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Sleep Hygiene: To address sleep disturbances, consider developing a relaxing bedtime routine. This might involve reducing screen time before bed, practicing relaxation techniques, or using calming music or sound machines.
Bonus Tip
For sharing pictures online, many forums allow image uploads via an "upload" button. If you need help with a specific platform, searching for "how to post images" along with the platform name can guide you.
It's important to consider these steps as you move forward with your concerns. Finding the right treatment may take some time, but with careful observation and targeted approaches, you may find relief. If the symptoms continue to escalate or you notice additional concerning signs, prioritize seeking medical advice.
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