Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDescribing ItAllergic ReactionsSkin ConditionsAutoimmune CausesInfectious CausesHealing RashesWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Describing It
Allergic Reactions
Skin Conditions
Autoimmune Causes
Infectious Causes
Healing Rashes
When to See a Provider
Hives,rosacea, or several other skin conditions can causepimple-like rashes on the face or body. The rash may be red or otherwise discolored, itchy, or inflamed.
This article will cover the common causes of pimple-like rashes, how to treat them, and when to see a healthcare provider.
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Describing Your Pimple-Like Rash
Skinrashescan present in a multitude of ways. The characteristics of the rash and accompanying symptoms can vary. The primary factor that distinguishes one rash from another is its underlying cause. The cause will create the symptoms and characteristics of the rash.
The following characteristics of a rash should be evaluated:
Allergic Reactions That Cause Pimple-Like Rash
Hives is a skin condition that can cause pimple-like rashes on the skin. Below is a description of hives, its symptoms, and treatment.
Hives
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNet and ©Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.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.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet and ©Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
Skin Conditions With Pimple-Like Rash as a Symptom
Numerous skin conditions present with pimple-like rashes. Below is a list of those rashes, their symptoms, and treatments.
Folliculitis
Folliculitisis a skin condition in which the hair follicle becomes blocked or damaged. It can happen after shaving or when the skin rubs against clothes. The blocked or damaged follicle often gets infected and forms a pimple-like bump. Other symptoms include:
Folliculitis can occur anywhere in which there are hair follicles but is more commonly seen on the neck, armpits, and groin. It can typically be treated at home with warm compresses but may need antibiotics if more severe.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNetdermnetnz.org2023
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNetdermnetnz.org2023
Milia
Rosacea
Rosaceais an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness on the face, typically on the cheeks and nose. It may appear brownish or violet in darker skin types. The symptoms can come and go with certain factors like stress and sunlight causing it to appear. Thesymptoms of rosaceainclude:
Rosacea tends to appear in middle-aged adults and is more severe in men. There is no cure for rosacea but a healthcare provider can prescribe treatments which may include topical creams, lasers, and surgery.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealand and ©Dr. Mashihul Hossainwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealand and ©Dr. Mashihul Hossainwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilarisis a skin condition that presents as tiny bumps that look like goosebumps. These bumps are made up of dead skin cells and look like small pimples. They tend to be seen on the arms and legs but can also appear on the face. Keratosis pilaris symptoms include:
The treatment ofkeratosis pilarisfocuses on exfoliating and moisturizing the skin. Moisturizing creams that are used to treat keratosis pilaris often contain lactic acid or urea. Improvement can take from four to six weeks, and it’s important to stick to the treatment plan for best results.
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Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealanddermnetnz.org2023.
Perioral Dermatitis
The first step totreat perioral dermatitisis to use a gentle, fragrance-free face wash. A healthcare provider might prescribe an antibiotic which should be taken as prescribed.
Autoimmune Causes of Pimple-Like Rash
Hidradenitis suppurativa is another condition that causes a pimple-like rash. Below is a description of hidradenitis suppurativa, its symptoms, and treatments.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativais anautoimmune conditionthat causes boil-like bumps under the skin. These bumps become painful and can break open. The bumps tend to be found in the underarms and groin but can also develop in other locations where skin touches skin. The condition typically starts during or after puberty and is more common in females.
A healthcare provider is needed to treat hidradenitis suppurativa. They may prescribe treatments like antibiotics, topical creams or ointments to decrease pore blockages, or oral medications.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Infectious Causes of Pimple-Like Rash
Infections can cause pimple-like rashes. Below is a description of the infections, their symptoms, and treatments.
Staph
Staphylococcus(staph)is a type of bacteria that causes many types of infections. It is commonly found on the skin and when there is a sore or opening in the skin, it can enter and cause an infection. The symptoms of a skin staph infection are:
Staph skin infections are treated withantibiotics. It can be a topical cream or an oral antibiotic, depending on the type and severity of the infection.
Molluscum
Since molluscum does not cause many symptoms, some people may choose to allow the rash to heal on its own. This can take six months to four years. For those who choose to treat their molluscum, a healthcare provider can use a laser orcryotherapy(destroying abnormalities with freezing temperatures) to remove the bumps.
Chicken Pox
Chicken pox(varicella-zoster virus) is a very contagious infection that causes intensely itchy blister-like bumps on the skin. The bumps tend to start on the chest, face, and back then spread to the rest of the body. The symptoms of chicken pox include:
Thechicken pox vaccine, the varicella vaccine,has decreased the incidence of the condition, although, people who have had the vaccine can have breakthrough infections. Treatment is aimed at reducing the symptoms. This includes using calamine lotion, colloidal oatmeal, or a cool bath with baking soda.
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Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet and ©Te Whatu Ora Waikatodermnetnz.org2023
How to Heal Rashes Resembling Acne
The first step to healing a rash that resembles acne is to determine the type of rash and its underlying cause.
Each type of rash will have a different treatment method and may include any of the following:
When to Ask a Healthcare Provider
Rashes can be difficult to diagnose at home. Anytime a new rash appears, contact a healthcare provider. They will be able to evaluate the rash, determine its cause, and develop a treatment plan specific to your needs. Other circumstances that warrant a call to a healthcare provider are:
Summary
13 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.MedlinePlus.Rash evaluation.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: Overview.MedlinePlus.Folliculitis.DermNet.Milium.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Rosacea.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keratosis pilaris: Overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Red rash around your mouth could be perioral dermatitis.MedlinePlus.Hidradenitis suppurativa.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hidradenitis suppurativa: Diagnosis and treatment.MedlinePlus.Staphylococcal infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Molluscum contagiosum.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox (varicella).American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment.
13 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.MedlinePlus.Rash evaluation.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: Overview.MedlinePlus.Folliculitis.DermNet.Milium.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Rosacea.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keratosis pilaris: Overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Red rash around your mouth could be perioral dermatitis.MedlinePlus.Hidradenitis suppurativa.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hidradenitis suppurativa: Diagnosis and treatment.MedlinePlus.Staphylococcal infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Molluscum contagiosum.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox (varicella).American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment.
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.
MedlinePlus.Rash evaluation.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: Overview.MedlinePlus.Folliculitis.DermNet.Milium.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Rosacea.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keratosis pilaris: Overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Red rash around your mouth could be perioral dermatitis.MedlinePlus.Hidradenitis suppurativa.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hidradenitis suppurativa: Diagnosis and treatment.MedlinePlus.Staphylococcal infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Molluscum contagiosum.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox (varicella).American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment.
MedlinePlus.Rash evaluation.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: Overview.
MedlinePlus.Folliculitis.
DermNet.Milium.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Rosacea.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keratosis pilaris: Overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Red rash around your mouth could be perioral dermatitis.
MedlinePlus.Hidradenitis suppurativa.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hidradenitis suppurativa: Diagnosis and treatment.
MedlinePlus.Staphylococcal infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Molluscum contagiosum.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox (varicella).
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment.
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