Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFlea BitesHivesBed BugsContact DermatitisScabiesDyshidrotic EczemaGuttate PsoriasisWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Flea Bites
Hives
Bed Bugs
Contact Dermatitis
Scabies
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Guttate Psoriasis
When to See a Provider
Itchy bumps on the skin aren’t always mosquito bites and can have other causes. They include other types of bug bites, infections, or skin irritations. Other symptoms also may be present.
Itchy bumpsdue to causes like fleas or a hives breakout will all require different remedies or treatments. So when it’s not amosquito bite, you may need a healthcare provider to identify the exact cause and explain your options.
gokhanilgaz / Getty Images
Flea bites are very common in children.To treat flea bites, wash the area with soap and water. Apply calamine lotion or an anti-itch cream like over-the-counterhydrocortisone. Try not to scratch the flea bites, as this can cause them to become infected.
Flea bites.Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Hives, also known asurticaria, are raised, itchy, red patches or bumps on the skin. There can be just a few bumps or large red patches on the skin.
Hives have many different causes they can include:
Hives tend to resolve within a few days. To relieve the itching, apply a cold washcloth to the area or use an anti-itch cream. Try not to scratch the hives and avoid things that trigger the hives.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Bed bugsare tiny insects the size of a poppy seed. They live in places where people sleep (mattresses, bedding, couches, and box springs) and inject a substance into the skin when feeding on human blood.
Bed bug bites appear as very itchy welts in a cluster of three to five spots. These spots can form a zigzag pattern on the body. There may also be tiny spots of blood on the person’s bedding.
Treating bed bug bitescan typically be done at home:
Be sure to correctlyidentify bed bugsand consult a professional, if needed.
Bed bug bites.Joel Carillet/E+/Getty Images
Contact dermatitisis a skin rash that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen. Common causes include plants, chemicals, jewelry, and cosmetic fragrances.
Acontact dermatitis rashcan vary in appearance. It can appear as a red, itchy patch on the skin or as small itchy, fluid-filled blisters.
The best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to avoid the triggers causing the rash. To manage the symptoms until the rash has healed apply a cool compress and use calamine lotion to soothe the itch.
In some cases, contact dermatitis may require you to use a corticosteroid prescription from a healthcare provider.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
If this is the person’s first time developing scabies, it will take two to six weeks for symptoms to start. However, if the person has already had scabies, the symptoms will begin within one to four days.
Scabies treatment includes:
Dyshidrotic eczema, also known aspompholyx, is a skin condition that causes small, incredibly itchy bumps on the hands or feet. The bumps are fluid-filled blisters that usually last for three to four weeks.
There are so many causes of dyshidrotic eczema it can be hard to find a specific trigger. They include:
To treatdyshidrotic eczema, apply cool compresses, anti-itch creams, and moisturize the skin. In some cases, a prescription medication may be necessary.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoIuliia Mikhalitskaia / Getty Images
Iuliia Mikhalitskaia / Getty Images
Guttate psoriasisis a type ofpsoriasis(an autoimmune skin condition) that typically affects children. However, it can be seen in people of all ages. It appears as small, red, round raised patches on the skin. These patches can be itchy.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org2023
When to See a Healthcare Provider
The common sources are insect bites, previous illness, or contact with a skin irritant orallergen(a normally harmless substance that provokes an allergic reaction). If you cannot narrow down the cause, you should contact a healthcare provider.
A healthcare provider can review your health history and determine if testing is necessary. Having a correct diagnosis will help you get started on the right treatment and provide faster healing.
When to Call Pest ControlItchy bumps on the skin rarely require someone to contact pest control. The one exception is for bed bugs. Bed bugs can be removed without pest control, but it can be difficult since they are such good hiders and may be resistant to pesticides.A pest control company will have the right equipment to find and remove the bed bugs.
When to Call Pest Control
Itchy bumps on the skin rarely require someone to contact pest control. The one exception is for bed bugs. Bed bugs can be removed without pest control, but it can be difficult since they are such good hiders and may be resistant to pesticides.A pest control company will have the right equipment to find and remove the bed bugs.
Summary
There are several causes of itchy mosquito-like bumps on the skin. They can be from insect bites, infections, or skin conditions. Most of the time, these bumps can be treated at home.
When symptoms are too severe or do not resolve, it’s time to contact a healthcare provider. You may need a prescription medication to target the cause and eliminate the itch.
Identifying Insect Bites and Stings, and How to Treat Them
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology.10 Reasons Your Skin Itches Uncontrollably and How to Get Relief.Kamath S, Kenner-Bell B.Infestations, Bites, and Insect Repellents.Pediatr Ann. 2020 Mar 1;49(3):e124-e131. doi:10.3928/19382359-20200214-01UpToDate.Patient education: hives (urticaria).Nakashima C, Kato M, Otsuka A.Cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination.J Dermatol. 2023 Mar;50(3):280-289. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.16651Konstantinou GN, Konstantinou GN.Psychological stress and chronic urticaria: a neuro-immuno-cutaneous crosstalk. A systematic review of the existing evidence.Clinical Therapeutics. 2020;42(5):771-782. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2020.03.010American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: self-care.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Bed bugs: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: contact dermatitis signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scabies: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema.MedlinePlus.Guttate psoriasis.Environmental Protection Agency.Do-it-yourself bed bug control.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology.10 Reasons Your Skin Itches Uncontrollably and How to Get Relief.Kamath S, Kenner-Bell B.Infestations, Bites, and Insect Repellents.Pediatr Ann. 2020 Mar 1;49(3):e124-e131. doi:10.3928/19382359-20200214-01UpToDate.Patient education: hives (urticaria).Nakashima C, Kato M, Otsuka A.Cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination.J Dermatol. 2023 Mar;50(3):280-289. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.16651Konstantinou GN, Konstantinou GN.Psychological stress and chronic urticaria: a neuro-immuno-cutaneous crosstalk. A systematic review of the existing evidence.Clinical Therapeutics. 2020;42(5):771-782. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2020.03.010American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: self-care.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Bed bugs: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: contact dermatitis signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scabies: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema.MedlinePlus.Guttate psoriasis.Environmental Protection Agency.Do-it-yourself bed bug control.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology.10 Reasons Your Skin Itches Uncontrollably and How to Get Relief.Kamath S, Kenner-Bell B.Infestations, Bites, and Insect Repellents.Pediatr Ann. 2020 Mar 1;49(3):e124-e131. doi:10.3928/19382359-20200214-01UpToDate.Patient education: hives (urticaria).Nakashima C, Kato M, Otsuka A.Cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination.J Dermatol. 2023 Mar;50(3):280-289. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.16651Konstantinou GN, Konstantinou GN.Psychological stress and chronic urticaria: a neuro-immuno-cutaneous crosstalk. A systematic review of the existing evidence.Clinical Therapeutics. 2020;42(5):771-782. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2020.03.010American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: self-care.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Bed bugs: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: contact dermatitis signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scabies: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema.MedlinePlus.Guttate psoriasis.Environmental Protection Agency.Do-it-yourself bed bug control.
American Academy of Dermatology.10 Reasons Your Skin Itches Uncontrollably and How to Get Relief.
Kamath S, Kenner-Bell B.Infestations, Bites, and Insect Repellents.Pediatr Ann. 2020 Mar 1;49(3):e124-e131. doi:10.3928/19382359-20200214-01
UpToDate.Patient education: hives (urticaria).
Nakashima C, Kato M, Otsuka A.Cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination.J Dermatol. 2023 Mar;50(3):280-289. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.16651
Konstantinou GN, Konstantinou GN.Psychological stress and chronic urticaria: a neuro-immuno-cutaneous crosstalk. A systematic review of the existing evidence.Clinical Therapeutics. 2020;42(5):771-782. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2020.03.010
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: self-care.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Bed bugs: overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: contact dermatitis signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scabies: overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema.
MedlinePlus.Guttate psoriasis.
Environmental Protection Agency.Do-it-yourself bed bug control.
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