Painful red bumps might look like minor annoyances, but they can be a sign your skin — and your health — needs attention. The most common culprit? Folliculitis, an inflammation of your hair follicles caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, fungi, yeast, or viruses.
This condition often pops up after shaving, friction from tight clothes, or trapped sweat and bacteria. You’ll notice small red or pus-filled bumps right where the hair grows, often itching, burning, or feeling tender. While mild cases may clear up with simple hygiene, ignoring it can lead to painful sores, boils, or abscesses.
But folliculitis isn’t the only cause. Red, swollen bumps could also come from ingrown hairs, contact dermatitis (an irritation from soaps, fabrics, or other triggers), shingles (a painful blistering rash usually on one side of the body), or heat rash caused by blocked sweat ducts.
How to care for these bumps? Avoid scratching or picking to stop infections from spreading. Clean the area gently with mild soap and warm water, and use warm compresses to ease discomfort and help draw out pus. If shaving causes bumps, switch to a clean, sharp razor, shave in the direction of hair growth, and avoid close shaves. For sweat or clothing-related bumps, wear loose, breathable fabrics and shower promptly after sweating.
Watch out for warning signs: if bumps spread, worsen, last more than a few days, come with fever or chills, get very painful or swollen, or keep coming back — it’s time to see a doctor. Your skin talks — listening early and caring properly can stop small problems from turning serious. When in doubt, professional advice is the safest bet to keep your skin and health in great shape.