A Pimple-Like Rash All Over the Body

Having a pimply rash on your body can cause a lot of pain, discomfort and possibly embarrassment. A variety of reasons, such as viral or bacterial infections, could explain a pimple-like rash all over your body. It is imperative that you seek proper medical attention to treat the rash, as certain products can further irritate your skin causing your rash to worsen.

Identification

Depending upon the type of rash, you may experience patchy red skin with small bumps or solid red skin with large bumps. The severity of the rash will determine if the rash develops in patches or solid streaks on your skin. The size of the pimples or bumps may or may not mean anything.

Causes

Chickenpox can cause you to have a pimply rash all over your body, according to KidsHealth.org. The pimples may start small when you initially begin to show symptoms of the viral infection, and grow larger until the viral infection clears. Eczema can appear as a red rash with bumps all over your body. It will also cause your skin to swell in the affected areas, and is most common in young children. Eczema is often referred to as contact dermatitis, according to MedlinePlus. Staph infections can cause impetigo, which may appear as a pimply rash all over your body; although it is prominent in areas around your nose and mouth, according to KidsHealth.org. You can also develop a pimply rash all over your body if your skin has been exposed to an allergen, such as poison ivy or poison sumac.

Effects

Certain types of rashes may cause itching, burning or a tingling sensation. The pimply areas may ooze pus or discharge, which may be a sign of infection. The discharge from the pimples or bumps may dry on your skin and cause crusting, which may make it more difficult to wash the area. You may also find it uncomfortable to wear certain types of clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts or materials such as rayon or polyester, which do not allow your skin to breathe as cotton would.

Prevention/Solution

To avoid developing a bacterial or viral infection, stay away from those who are infected with an illness that you could contract, such as chickenpox. Keeping your skin clean and dry can decrease the risk of infection and crusting from oozing sores. If you believe you have a bacterial infection, such as a staph infection, seek medical attention right away. KidsHealth.org recommends using calamine lotion to treat allergic reactions, such as reactions to poison ivy or sumac.

Considerations

Talk to your health care provider right away should you begin to notice signs of infection, such as pus, fever or a foul odor. If you begin to experience a severe allergic reaction and the pimples turn into hives, you may need immediate medical care. If you've had eczema in the past, apply a daily moisturizer after bathing to help reduce breakouts.