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consult to your doctor

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Small boils or bumps on a child’s hands and legs can be caused by various factors, including skin irritation, allergic reactions, infections, or other dermatological conditions. Here are some potential causes and suggestions for what you can do:

### Possible Causes of Boils or Bumps on Hands and Legs:

1. **Heat Rash (Prickly Heat)**: Caused by sweat trapped in the skin, leading to small red bumps or blisters, especially in hot and humid weather.
   
2. **Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)**: This condition causes dry, itchy, and sometimes inflamed skin. It may appear as small bumps, especially if scratched.

3. **Allergic Reactions**: Could be due to contact with an allergen (like certain plants, soaps, detergents, or clothing materials) leading to hives or rashes.

4. **Insect Bites**: Bites from mosquitoes, ants, or other insects can cause small, itchy bumps or blisters.

5. **Folliculitis**: Infection of the hair follicles can lead to small red or white-headed pimples around hair follicles.

6. **Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease**: A common viral illness in children that causes fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands and feet.

7. **Chickenpox or Other Viral Exanthems**: These cause a rash with small red spots that can blister and are often accompanied by fever and other symptoms.

8. **Bacterial Infections**: Some bacterial infections like impetigo can cause small, pus-filled blisters.

### What You Can Do at Home:

1. **Keep the Skin Clean and Dry**: Wash the affected areas with a mild soap and water. Pat dry gently. Avoid rubbing the skin, which can worsen irritation.

2. **Avoid Scratching**: Scratching can worsen the rash and increase the risk of infection. Trim your child’s nails short and consider using mittens or gloves if scratching is a problem.

3. **Use a Cool Compress**: Applying a cool, damp cloth to the affected areas can help soothe itching and reduce inflammation.

4. **Moisturize the Skin**: If the rash is due to dryness or eczema, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer regularly to keep the skin hydrated.

5. **Use Over-the-Counter Creams**: If the bumps are itchy, you can apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (1%) to reduce inflammation and itching. Calamine lotion or antihistamines (like diphenhydramine) may also help with itching.

6. **Avoid Irritants**: Identify and avoid possible irritants or allergens such as new soaps, detergents, or certain fabrics.

7. **Ensure Proper Clothing**: Dress your child in loose, breathable clothing, especially in hot weather, to prevent heat rash.

### When to See a Doctor:

- **Persistent or Worsening Symptoms**: If the rash or boils do not improve after a few days or seem to be getting worse.
- **Signs of Infection**: Such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or if the child has a fever.
- **Spreading Rash**: If the rash spreads to other parts of the body.
- **Associated Symptoms**: If there are additional symptoms like fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or if the child appears unwell.
- **Uncertainty of Cause**: If you are unsure about the cause of the bumps or if they do not respond to home treatment.

### Conclusion:

While small boils or bumps on a child's hands and legs can be common and often harmless, it’s important to monitor them closely. If you are concerned or if the condition persists or worsens, it’s best to consult a pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.