Skin rashes/irritation anywhere on the body

Lately, I’ve noticed these little scabs popping up all over my body. I mean, sure, I might scratch an itch here or there—like if I notice a pimple or something—but I have never, ever scratched myself hard enough to draw blood. This whole thing feels super weird. For most of them, I don't even know when they actually showed up; I usually just catch them when they start itching or I spot a scab while I'm showering.

They’re on my back, my ankle (😕), and my ribs. They don't really hurt, but they won't go away either. It’s been going on for a while now because every time a scab falls off, instead of healing, a brand new one just takes its place. I really don't want to run to the doctor for every tiny thing, especially since I'm already seeing him about twice a month for other stuff (we've basically become too familiar at this point 😬).

I'm wondering what could be causing this. I highly doubt I'm doing it to myself in my sleep, mostly because that just seems way too out there 🤷

What really bugs me is why they aren't healing. It used to be that if I cut my finger or scraped myself on something, it would heal up pretty fast. These are just tiny little millimeter-sized spots, but they just refuse to clear up 🙄

Are you positive you aren't scratching yourself in your sleep? I actually realized recently that I do it myself—I just wake up in the morning with these little red marks everywhere. Honestly, I’m not exactly sane when it comes to an itch; I’ll scratch until I’m bleeding without even realizing it, right up until the moment it starts stinging.

I feel like I’d have to scratch myself raw just to wake up. Seriously, when I had my stitches taken out after getting that tattoo removed, the itching was so intense I could practically feel myself scratching in my sleep and waking up from it. 🤷
Then again, even if I am scratching away in my dreams, why hasn't this feeling gone away after all this time? 😕

Maybe it’s tied to those constant doctor visits you’ve been making lately?🤷

not 😁

I honestly don't know, Elizabeth Davis. Even when I'm wide awake, I find myself scratching unconsciously. It just itches so much I stop thinking about anything else, and damn it, if I keep scratching the same spot over and over, I end up bleeding. But seriously, I'm not wired normally when it comes to itching—chickenpox absolutely wrecked me. 😁

So what do those sores actually look like? And these new ones, are they popping up in that same exact spot?

The marks are tiny and circular, almost like when you pop a pimple. I guess that might explain some spots on my back—I get breakouts there from time to time—but this stuff on my ankle just doesn't make sense.
They don't even hurt if I touch them, but the scabs are raised, and honestly, it’s getting annoying because as soon as one falls off in the shower, another one pops up right in the same spot. I remember having a scratch on my shoulder for three weeks once that drove me crazy because my bra kept catching on it, so I know how much that can bug you. These aren't bothering me right now, but I'm mostly just worried about summer hitting and ending up with a back covered in scabs. 🙄

What if it’s just some kind of allergy acting up and manifesting like that? 🤷 How long has this been going on now?

It’s been about a month now. I haven't really dealt with allergies before, but last spring I noticed some weird signs. My nose was acting up for like two months straight—no coughing, no sore throat or anything, just that constant stuffy feeling you get when you have a cold, plus way more sneezing than usual. My doctor didn't think it was worth a referral since nothing felt "serious"—I wasn't struggling to breathe, my skin wasn't red or itchy, nothing like that. I'm wondering, though... could this all be connected?

I started dealing with this exact same thing last year—those weird little skin irritations and scabs that just pop up out of nowhere. After playing detective with my own body, I realized it only happens during the winter. My skin gets incredibly dehydrated, and because I shower every single day without following up with any moisturizer, those little cracks start forming. They eventually cleared up once summer hit, but they left behind these tiny little scars that were totally invisible once I got a tan. This year, I’m being way more proactive about it. I still take my daily showers, but I make a point to moisturize at least twice a week right after I get out. I usually go for a decent body oil or a heavy-duty lotion meant for dry skin (like something from Aveeno or Bath & Body Works). Also, try this: for the next few days, just slather some panthenol cream directly onto those scabby spots before you go to bed. Put on a thick enough layer so that it actually looks "white" on your skin.

I'll give that a shot, thanks for the tips 🙏 🙏

And if that doesn't cut it, go see a doctor. It might actually be an allergy.

Alright, will do. I’ve got another trip coming up in about two weeks anyway, so if this doesn't work out, I'll just catch them then 🙂

Could those little bugs be the ones to blame?

They can be a total nightmare to deal with, too, and they always leave you with itchy, irritated skin that just won't quit...

Elizabeth Davis No worries at all! 😁

I used to say the exact same thing—like, "let the bugs take me," lol—but honestly, I’m super careful about my personal hygiene and keeping the house spotless. My boyfriend has never had those little skin irritations or anything, and we share the same bed every single night...