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Identifying Small Bumps on My Hands

2/5/2026, 1:50:21 AMMale25-34

I am a 32-year-old male who has recently noticed the emergence of small reddish bumps that resemble acne on my hands. These bumps appeared around late last week, and while I do have a few similar bumps on my feet, the occurrence is minimal, with only two or three present overall. No other areas of my body show these bumps. Interestingly, they are painless and non-itchy; I would not have been aware of their existence if I hadn’t visually examined my hands, and apart from this situation, I feel completely fine. Just yesterday, I participated in my usual workout routine without any issues. I am not taking any medications, nor do I have underlying health issues, and my eating habits have remained consistent. In my research, these bumps bear some resemblance to hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), although they appear to be less serious, and I lack any accompanying symptoms. Furthermore, my partner shows no signs of having the condition. Do you have any suggestions or insights regarding this? I have a medical examination scheduled for March, but I hope this situation resolves before then.

AsthmaInternal MedicineEndocrinology

Answers (1)

Cony

2/5/2026, 1:50:37 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you've noticed some small, reddish bumps on your hands and feet that are painless and not causing any itching, which is reassuring. Given that you have no other symptoms and are feeling well, this situation may not be serious. The bumps could be related to several benign conditions, but let's explore what you can do about it.

Explanation

The small reddish bumps you see could be due to various harmless skin conditions, such as:

  1. Folliculitis: Inflammation of hair follicles, often appearing as small, red bumps.
  2. Keratosis pilaris: Common skin condition, often on arms and thighs, that involves small, painless bumps.
  3. Allergic reaction: Contact dermatitis from a new soap or lotion could slightly irritate the skin.
  4. Viral rashes: Certain viral infections can cause transient skin changes without the classic symptoms.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) usually includes additional symptoms, such as fever or sore throat, which you do not have. The absence of these signs decreases the likelihood of this condition.

Next Steps

  1. Monitor the Bumps: Keep an eye on the bumps for any changes in size, color, or discomfort over the next week.

  2. Maintain Moisturization: Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer on your hands and feet after washing to avoid dryness, which can exacerbate skin irritation.

  3. Avoid Irritants: If you’ve recently switched soaps, lotions, or detergents, consider returning to the previous products.

  4. Keep Clean: Continue with your good hygiene practices, but avoid harsh scrubbing of the affected areas.

  5. Document Changes: If possible, take note of any changes in the bumps or if they spread, as this information can be helpful for your upcoming medical examination.

If your symptoms change significantly, or if you experience additional symptoms like pain, itching, or fever, it would be wise to seek further evaluation sooner. However, for now, focus on monitoring the skin changes and keeping your skin healthy.

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