What should you know about red pimple like bumps?

Bumps centred on hairs may fit folliculitis, particularly after shaving, sweating, friction, or use of occlusive products. Tiny, rough, skin-coloured or red bumps clustered on the upper arms or thighs may fit keratosis pilaris. Itch, tenderness, pus, scaling, or a sudden crop changes the assessment. Several conditions can resemble acne, so squeezing them can obscure useful clues and damage the skin.

Wash with a gentle cleanser and moisturise rather than scrubbing the bumps. Avoid picking, tight clothing, oily occlusive products, and shaving across sore follicles. If the skin is rough, a product with urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid may help when used as directed, but stop if irritation develops. Keep a note of the body site, recent hair removal, new products, sweating, and whether the bumps contain fluid.

Arrange an appointment when bumps persist, recur, become painful, drain pus, leave marks, or spread. Seek urgent care for fever, rapidly expanding redness, severe pain, red streaking, or swelling around the eyes or mouth. A clinician may examine the follicles and choose treatment based on whether inflammation, infection, or a keratin-plugging process is present.

Are these bumps folliculitis, keratosis pilaris, acne, or another rash? Should I pause hair removal or a particular product? What treatment is safe for this body area? What signs mean I should return sooner?