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The most common cause for the symptoms you describe is dermatitis or folliculitis? Dermatitis is a broad term covering many different disorders that all result in a rash which is typically red and itchy, and often forms small bumps or blisters. The term eczema is sometimes used interchangeably with dermatitis. Some types of dermatitis affect only specific parts of the body, whereas others can occur anywhere. Some types of dermatitis have a known cause, whereas others do not. However, dermatitis is always the skin's way of reacting to severe dryness, scratching, an irritating substance, or an allergen. Typically, that substance comes in direct contact with the skin, but sometimes the substance is swallowed (medication for example). In all cases, continuous scratching and rubbing may eventually lead to thickening and hardening of the skin.Dermatitis may be a brief reaction to a substance. In such cases it may produce symptoms, such as itching and redness, for just a few hours or for only a day or two. Chronic dermatitis persists over a period of time. The hands and feet are particularly vulnerable to chronic dermatitis, because the hands are in frequent contact with many foreign substances and the feet are in the warm, moist conditions created by socks and shoes that favor fungal growth.
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles, which can be precipitated by some types of dermatitis. It is usually caused by bacteria, especially the type called staph (Staphylococcus). It can also be caused by yeast and another type of fungus. Folliculitis caused by a fungus is most often seen in people who have trouble fighting infections because they have an impaired immune system.Often folliculitis develops because you have damaged your hair follicles. Shaving or wearing clothes that rub the skin can irritate the follicles. They can also become blocked or irritated by substances like sweat, machine oils, or makeup. Once the follicles are injured, they are more likely to become infected.
Treatment will be based on the probable cause, and the presence or absence of infection. You will need to see your doctor for evaluation and possibly antibiotics.
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