Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyPrurigoTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I don't have so many lumps but a sting. Then a little brown spot comes that itches like crazy. Often they are no bigger than a pin head.

A MyPrurigoTeam Member asked a question 💭
Berea, OH

Scratch them off and they really bleed. I'm having a terrible summer. Anyone else?

August 13
 · 
Reactions
A MyPrurigoTeam Member

I can’t believe how much one of my sores bled the other night - dripping blood n the floor! Horrifying, humiliating and embarrassing as well as very painful. The desire to scratch was so overwhelming though. Just waiting for my first dermatology appointment. Surely if they can just give me something to stop the itch then I wouldn’t scratch and wouldn’t bleed 🤦🏼‍♀️😭

August 13
A MyPrurigoTeam Member

I had scally raise spots that appeared all over my body. They would sting and itch. If I scratched the tops came off and they made little sores.

August 13
A MyPrurigoTeam Member

Thanks, Marc! Pn sure does attack from in. No mercy!

August 16
A MyPrurigoTeam Member

I'm here with you. My PN is mainly on my arms and from advice of others I'm back to using capsaicin every night and then wear sleeves to cover up and keep me from scratching and touching the lotion. It took a little time but I found with the consistency I'm have less itch.

August 14
MyPrurigoTeam

So sorry to hear this summer has been rough — you're definitely not alone in this! What you're describing sounds very consistent with prurigo nodularis, even when the spots are tiny.

Those pin-head sized spots are likely small papules (the name for smaller PN lesions). They can still itch intensely and bleed easily when Show Full Answer

So sorry to hear this summer has been rough — you're definitely not alone in this! What you're describing sounds very consistent with prurigo nodularis, even when the spots are tiny.

Those pin-head sized spots are likely small papules (the name for smaller PN lesions). They can still itch intensely and bleed easily when scratched, just like larger nodules.

The stinging sensation before a spot appears is also a recognized part of PN. Common triggers for that stinging and itching include:

- Stress
- Heat (hello, summer 😓)
- Insect bites
- Sweating

The brown color you're noticing is also typical — PN lesions often darken as they develop or heal, especially on certain skin tones. One important thing to watch — scratching them off and bleeding means the skin is breaking open, which can increase the risk of bacterial infection. Signs to watch for include warmth, swelling, oozing, or fever. If any of those appear, it's worth contacting your healthcare provider promptly.

Tracking your symptoms in a journal, including when flares happen and possible triggers, can really help your dermatologist find the best path forward for you.

August 13

Related Questions

View All
Prurigo Nodularis Histology Basics: What Can You See With a Microscope?
What Does Prurigo Nodularis Look Like? Pictures for Reference
90% Have Less Itch After 2 Years on Nemolizumab, Study Finds