Unexplained Red Rashes and Blisters: Causes and When to Seek Help

Unexplained red rashes and blisters on the body?

Hello Doctor, in the past week or two, I have developed small red rashes on my body.
They are as small as the tip of a needle and as large as a grain of rice, with colors ranging from bright red to deep red.
Some of them are itchy, but most are not.
They have a raised texture that can only be felt upon touch, and they are distributed quite sparsely across my body, including my fingers, forearms, thighs (more concentrated here), toes, soles of my feet, and ankles.
The first rash I noticed faded after about a week without being scratched, leaving behind faint brown scars.
When pressed, the rashes slightly blanch.
Recently, I have not been going out due to pandemic precautions, but I suspect they might be caused by insects at home.
However, it seems strange that they are appearing on the soles of my feet as well.
While checking for more rashes, I found a blood blister the size of a grain of rice on my neck, which burst when pressed hard, but it did not bleed, only releasing some serous fluid.

1.
I had an episode of acute urticaria last month (I consulted a doctor who ruled out insect bites and scabies).
After receiving injections and taking medications, I saw the doctor twice and it almost resolved, leaving only a few flat rashes (not raised).
Could this new rash be related?
2.
Is it possible that these rashes are due to mosquito bites? There are not many insects in my home, mostly fruit flies and mosquitoes, and I am concerned about fleas, but the rashes are mostly scattered, with only one area having two adjacent spots.

3.
Is there a connection between the blood blister and the rashes?
4.
I have also developed many pimples recently; could it be possible that they turned into blood blisters after being squeezed?
5.
Do I need to seek medical attention, or can I continue to observe? Recently, due to the severe pandemic situation in my area, I am hesitant to seek medical care or go out.
I apologize for the trouble, and although I understand that online consultations cannot replace in-person visits, I appreciate your help.
Thank you very much.

Miao Mi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/25

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

Some dermatology clinics offer online telemedicine services, so you might want to check with those near you.
After all, without seeing the lesions, it's impossible to determine what the issue is.

Reply Date: 2021/05/25

More Info

Unexplained red rashes and blisters can be concerning, especially when they appear suddenly and in various locations on the body. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a range of symptoms that could be linked to several underlying causes. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Relation to Previous Hives: Given that you had an episode of acute urticaria (hives) last month, it is possible that your current rash could be a continuation of an allergic reaction or a different manifestation of the same condition. Hives can sometimes recur, especially if the underlying cause (such as an allergen) is still present. It’s important to consider any new foods, medications, or environmental changes that may have occurred since your last visit to the doctor.

2. Possibility of Insect Bites: While you suspect that the rashes could be due to insect bites, the scattered distribution of the rashes and the presence of blisters might suggest a different cause. Mosquito bites typically present as localized, itchy welts rather than widespread rashes. If you have not observed any insects in your home, it may be less likely that they are the cause. However, if you have been outdoors, it’s still worth considering.

3. Connection Between Blisters and Rashes: The blood blister you described could be related to the rashes, especially if there is any underlying irritation or trauma to the skin. Blisters can form as a protective response to friction, burns, or allergic reactions. If the rash is itchy or irritating, scratching could lead to the formation of blisters.

4. Acne and Blood Blisters: If you have been experiencing an increase in acne, it is possible that some of these lesions could have become inflamed or infected, leading to the formation of blisters. However, blood blisters typically arise from a different mechanism, often due to trauma or friction rather than acne.

5. When to Seek Medical Attention: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention, especially since you have a history of acute urticaria. While it is understandable to be cautious about visiting healthcare facilities during a pandemic, it is crucial to prioritize your health. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough examination, possibly conduct allergy testing, and provide appropriate treatment. If the rashes worsen, become painful, or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever or difficulty breathing, you should seek immediate medical care.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may be benign and could resolve on their own, the combination of rashes, blisters, and your previous history of hives warrants a professional evaluation. It is essential to monitor your symptoms closely and not hesitate to seek help if you feel your condition is worsening. In the meantime, try to avoid scratching the affected areas, as this can lead to further irritation and potential infection. Keeping the skin moisturized and avoiding known irritants may also help alleviate some discomfort.

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