OpenHealth Q&A

Skin Bumps and Possible Causes: Seeking Insights

I’m a 32-year-old male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds, and I'm experiencing reddish skin bumps that typically last between 5 and 30 minutes. The only medical conditions I have are mild scoliosis (around 12 to 16 degrees; I can’t remember exactly) and elevated liver enzymes. Thirteen years ago, I largely eliminated red meat from my diet, with just the occasional indulgence. I’m aware this information is costly to manage, though. 1. I initially noticed a bump on my left forearm, just near the crease of my elbow. This was the first one that caught my attention while at work. 2. On my right arm, I observed another bump on the crease of my elbow. It was approximately the size of a quarter, and I’d describe it as being the most pronounced one. 3. The day after the first two incidents, I discovered a new bump on the upper part of my left thigh, close to the buttocks. 4. Here’s a clearer shot of the third bump, with a dime for a size reference. 5. On the same day as the fourth bump, another one appeared on my arm after I scratched it against a box I was moving for a customer. It was quite cumbersome, and the bump didn't grow larger than what I initially noticed. 6. Today, I noticed a new bump on the upper inner thigh, but it has already disappeared by the time of this writing. 7. Also today, there’s a bump on my left knee; it’s nearly undetectable unless you see it up close. This one has also persisted for about 30 minutes. Notably, on pictures 1 and 2, you’ll see another circular area which I’d refer to as the “itch zone.” The contrast between this area and my normal skin is quite pronounced. The other bumps, including one that resurfaced, did not develop such an area, though they were slightly itchy. I scratched a few before realizing what I was doing and applied cold compresses to the bumps on the first two. After about five minutes, the first bump showed considerable regression. The second bump ceased itching entirely after I applied the compress and continued cooling it for a while until it cleared up, which took several hours (it was definitely the worst one). As far as I am aware, I don’t have any allergies (these bumps appeared two days ago). I feel relatively stress-free, and I reside in a northern state where the temperatures have dropped recently. Even though I keep my heater set around 74 degrees, I’m unsure if I’ve faced any typical hive triggers. The bumps do not resemble psoriasis because they aren’t scaly or excessively red. I welcome any thoughts on this matter. A checkup would be beneficial, but financial constraints are making that challenging right now.

Answers (1)

2/5/2026, 4:40:38 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing transient reddish bumps on your skin, which could be related to various causes, including hives (urticaria), contact dermatitis, or even a reaction to environmental factors. Let's break down the situation and provide some actionable steps based on your symptoms.

Main Points:

1. Temporary reddish bumps that appear and disappear can be a sign of hives or an allergic reaction.
2. Applying cold compresses has already helped relieve some of your symptoms, which is a positive sign.
3. Since you have financial constraints, let's focus on self-care steps that you can take at home.

Explanation:

The description of your bumps lasting between 5 and 30 minutes before fading could suggest that they are hives. Hives often come and go quickly and can be triggered by various factors, including stress, temperature changes, or even minor irritants. Given that you've ruled out allergies and noted that you live in a colder climate, it could also be related to skin irritation from dry air or friction from clothing or activities.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a small diary of when the bumps appear, their locations, and any associated activities (like scratching or movements).
2. Cold Compresses: Continue using cold compresses on new bumps as you've observed that it helps reduce itching and swelling.
3. Moisturize: Use a fragrance-free moisturizer on affected areas to combat dryness, especially with changes in temperature.
4. Avoid Irritants: Identify and minimize contact with any potential irritants, such as certain fabrics or products on your skin, including soaps or detergents.
5. Relaxation Techniques: If possible, practice stress-relieving techniques like deep breathing or gentle exercise, which may reduce the frequency of the bumps.
6. Antihistamines: If you feel comfortable and have no contraindications, consider over-the-counter antihistamines (like loratadine or cetirizine) to manage symptoms. Always check with a pharmacist if you're unsure.

When to Seek Help:

If you notice any drastic changes, such as increased size, spreading, or if the bumps become extremely itchy or painful, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional. It's important to address any sudden concerns about your skin and overall health, especially given your history of elevated liver enzymes.

Please take care of yourself, and know that making small adjustments can lead to significant improvements. Let me know if you have any further questions or need additional guidance!