Itchy red bumps on skin

There are many possible causes of itchy rashes on skin, such as eczema, psoriasis, hives, heat rash, or parasites or insects living on the skin.¹ In older adults, itchy skin might sometimes be due to serious medical condition such as kidney failure, liver disease, a blood disorder, an overactive or underactive thyroid, HIV, advanced cancer, nervous system conditions or a mental health disorder.¹ Identifying what causes itchy skin is 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.

Explore on this site