What causes small, painful and itchy pimples on the ankle, and what should be done about them?

Small, painful and itchy bumps on the ankle may be caused by insect bite dermatitis, folliculitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, urticaria, or other conditions, and treatment should be tailored according to the specific cause. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Insect Bite Dermatitis

If hygiene around the ankle area is neglected, insect bites can lead to insect bite dermatitis. Localized redness and swelling may occur, accompanied by itching and occasional pain. Under a doctor's guidance, topical medications such as erythromycin ointment or desonide cream can be used for relief.

2. Folliculitis

When hair follicles in the ankle area become infected, an inflammatory response may develop. Under the influence of inflammation, red papules may appear at the follicular openings, protruding from the skin surface, with surrounding skin showing signs of redness and swelling. Itching and pain may also accompany the condition. A doctor may recommend topical treatments such as erythromycin ointment or mupirocin ointment for symptom relief.

3. Contact Dermatitis

Contact with irritants or allergens on the skin of the ankle may trigger contact dermatitis, resulting in localized itching and bumps. It is advisable to avoid known allergens, and under medical supervision, medications such as loratadine tablets or compound ketoconazole cream may be used for treatment.

4. Eczema

Eczema is a skin inflammatory reaction characterized by intense itching and can be classified into acute, subacute, and chronic forms. It typically presents as small, millet-sized papules on the skin surface. Under a doctor’s guidance, calamine lotion or compound acetic acid dexamethasone cream may be used to improve symptoms.

5. Urticaria

Urticaria is a common skin disorder. After exposure to allergens, patients typically develop wheals or angioedema in affected areas, with surrounding skin exhibiting redness, along with symptoms such as pain and itching. Medications such as loratadine tablets or cetirizine hydrochloride tablets can be taken as directed by a physician for symptom relief.

In addition to the above common causes, other conditions such as tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) or herpes zoster may also be responsible. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical evaluation and timely treatment are recommended to prevent disease progression.