Unfortunately without seeing the rash, I cannot tell you what it is. Itchy red rashes can be caused by many things - post infection (such as after viruses or strep), contact dermatitis (such as from poison ivy or contact with other things), allergies, etc. I advise that you see your dr. who can see the rash in person. Zyrtec/Cetirizine which is over-the-counter, can help with the itching.

---

Brief Answer:
Some questions and some thoughts:

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for sending the pictures.

I have a few questions:
Were you in a lake or pool in the past several days before this rash began?

Have you been staying in any new places (hotels etc) and does anyone in your household have any rash?

Did the bumps come out all at once or have they been spreading noticeably?

Have you been out in grass/weeds or woods before this started? Clearing away weeds in backyard or garden?

It's hard to see in the picture, but are the bumps on a normal background of skin or is the whole area somewhat red and irritated with little bumps in between?

Are any of the bumps blistering?

Are there any lines or tracks between bumps?

Do you have allergies, and are there any wheals (raised swollen areas)?

Have you been excessively hot/sweaty?

Do you have a cat or dog?

And here are some initial thoughts -

A contact dermatitis from plants - oil got on arms and spread to torso.

Swimmer's Itch

Bug bites such as from fleas

Would be unusual location for chiggers, but is possible

---

Brief Answer:
Possibly miliaria rubra (prickly heat):

Detailed Answer:
I can't say for sure, but given the history of being in high heat for a long time, it could be a form of heat rash. So I'll give you information and recommendations based on this assumption.

Sweating from prolonged exposure to heat can lead to sweat glands becoming blocked and producing inflamed papules.

This usually goes away on it's own and using hydrocortisone cream or calamine should help. Avoid any oils or ointments as these can make things worse. Also try to avoid further exposures to prolonged heat right now.

The papules can become infected. If you start to see pus filled papules, OR if the rash becomes worse instead of starting to get better, then go in to see a dr.

It can take a few days to a few weeks to get better, BUT, you shouldn't be seeing any more bumps coming out. If you do, then I'd go to an urgent care or make an appt. with a dermatologist.

I hope this information helps.

---

Brief Answer:
I hope you are doing better soon!

Detailed Answer:
I hope your skin is back to normal soon. If you have no further questions you can go ahead and close the discussion.

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD

---