What should you know about red pimples on arms and legs?

Note whether bumps are rough and evenly scattered, centred on hairs, itchy, tender, or filled with fluid. Rough, small bumps on the outer upper arms or thighs can reflect keratin blocking follicle openings. Clusters around sweaty, rubbed, or recently shaved skin can fit folliculitis. Acne may produce a mixture of blocked pores and inflamed spots. New widespread bumps after a product, medicine, or environmental exposure need a clinician's assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and moisturiser. Choose loose, breathable clothing, change out of damp clothes, and reduce rubbing from straps or tight sportswear. Avoid scratching, squeezing, harsh brushes, and frequent product changes. If shaving or waxing preceded the flare, stop until the skin recovers. Photograph the pattern and note recent products, exercise, hair removal, or illness to share at an appointment.

Get medical advice if bumps are rapidly spreading, increasingly painful, hot, draining pus, or accompanied by fever. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or a rapidly developing allergic-looking rash. Persistent, recurrent, or scarring lesions may need a diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Ask what the distribution suggests, whether a medication or product could be involved, and which bathing, moisturising, or prescription options are appropriate for your skin.