I have itching, redness and small bumps on my back and under my chest

Go to an emergency department or call emergency services if any of the following occur — they may indicate a serious or spreading infection or a systemic problem.

• Fever with spreading rash or generally feeling very unwell
• Pus or foul‑smelling discharge from the lesions
• Rapidly spreading redness or severe pain
• Breathing difficulty, fainting or loss of consciousness

This page does not replace urgent medical care.

Similar symptoms can be caused by friction and sweating, inflammation of hair follicles, intertrigo or fungal overgrowth in skin folds, contact reactions, or body acne. The list is illustrative; a clinical exam is needed for a definite cause.

• Irritation from sweating and friction
• Inflamed hair follicles or superficial folliculitis
• Intertrigo and possible Candida overgrowth in skin folds
• Contact dermatitis from new detergents, soaps or cosmetics
• Acne affecting the body

Accurate diagnosis may require examination and possibly tests.

These steps may relieve symptoms or reduce factors that worsen the rash. Consider personal allergies before trying any product and stop any measure that causes worsening.

• Keep the area clean and thoroughly dry; dry under‑chest folds after washing
• Wear loose, breathable clothes (cotton) and avoid tight or synthetic fabrics
• If you recently started a new detergent, perfume or body product, stop using it and observe changes
• Shower after heavy sweating and dry the skin gently
• Take photographs of lesions (close and distant views) to track changes

These measures support symptom relief but do not replace medical evaluation.

See a clinician if there is no clear improvement within a week or two, if symptoms worsen, or if pain, pus, or fever develop. Family Medicine or Dermatology and Venereal Diseases are appropriate first contacts; Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology may be consulted when infection is suspected to be widespread or hard to treat.

• When symptoms started and how they have progressed
• Any new detergents, cosmetics, or laundry products used recently
• History of heavy sweating, sports or heat exposure
• Current prescription or over‑the‑counter medications
• Photos of the lesions and how they have changed over time

After clinical assessment, the clinician will decide on tests or referrals if needed.

Dermatology and Venereal Diseases is the most appropriate specialist for skin complaints. Family Medicine is suitable for initial evaluation and referral. Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology input may be requested for suspected widespread or persistent infections.

• Dermatology and Venereal Diseases (skin examination, diagnosis and management)
• Family Medicine (initial assessment and referral)
• Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (if a difficult or widespread infection is suspected)

The most appropriate specialty depends on the exam findings and severity.