Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentWhen to Seek Healthcare
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
When to Seek Healthcare
Raised skin bumps can result from various skin conditions, including clogged pores, allergic reactions, burns, injury, sun exposure, viruses, friction, and infections. They vary significantly from person to person in appearance, size, and body placement. Although they may not be aesthetically pleasing, they are common and usually are no cause for concern.
Acne
Acnecan appear as red bumps, whiteheads, blackheads, pus-filled pimples (pustules), or cysts (acne that penetrates deep into the skin). The type of acne people get depends on what is responsible for clogging the pores.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Allergies
People withallergiesmay develophives, or other raised skin bumps when they encounter an allergen, or when they ingest food, they are allergic to.
This can be extremely serious if a person has an allergy that can cause anaphylaxis. In this case, hives can be red and resemble incredibly itchy welts.Depending on your allergy action plan and symptoms, you may need to use an antihistamine, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or, in severe instances, your epinephrine autoinjector.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
AnaphylaxisAn anaphylaxis reaction usually occurs within five to 30 minutes after exposure. However, it can occur later.Symptoms may include hives, a swollen or sore throat, wheezing, passing out, trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, chest tightness, and stomach cramping. All people at risk of anaphylaxis should carry an EpiPen (epinephrine autoinjector).
Anaphylaxis
An anaphylaxis reaction usually occurs within five to 30 minutes after exposure. However, it can occur later.Symptoms may include hives, a swollen or sore throat, wheezing, passing out, trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, chest tightness, and stomach cramping. All people at risk of anaphylaxis should carry an EpiPen (epinephrine autoinjector).
An anaphylaxis reaction usually occurs within five to 30 minutes after exposure. However, it can occur later.
Symptoms may include hives, a swollen or sore throat, wheezing, passing out, trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, chest tightness, and stomach cramping. All people at risk of anaphylaxis should carry an EpiPen (epinephrine autoinjector).
Blisters
Blisters, orvesicles, are small bubble-like raised bumps formed when fluid is trapped under the skin. They can occur anywhere but are commonly found on the hands and feet. Several factors can cause blisters, including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, burns, eczema, autoimmune diseases, and friction.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photolittleny / Getty Images
littleny / Getty Images
Infections
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org2022.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org2022.
Skin Cancer
Several forms of skin cancer exist, includingbasal cell carcinoma,squamous cell carcinoma,melanoma, andMerkel cell carcinoma. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer.
Skin cancer can vary significantly in appearance, depending on the type you have and the stage. The skin bumps may appear red, pink, brown, black, or your skin color.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Waikato District Health Boardwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Waikato District Health Boardwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Boils
Boilsare pus-filled, red, and irritated raised skin bumps that usually occur when bacteria or fungus infect a hair follicle.They can occur on any body part and come in all sizes. The treatment will depend on the cause.
Calluses
A callus is thickened skin that develops to help alleviate a pressure site and can go into deeper layers of skin. They usually occur due to repetitive movement, pressure, and friction. Calluses are generally harmless but can be problematic in people with diabetes who have high blood sugar and peripheral neuropathy.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photowisely / Getty Images
wisely / Getty Images
Diabetic Ulcer: Improving Healing Success for Feet and Legs
Skin Tags
Skin tagsare usually harmless growths that are small and flesh-colored, brown, or even red. Skin tags can be found on the eyes, armpits, neck, groin, and anus.They usually do not hurt but can get stuck on clothes. Skin tags have been associated with obesity, genetic factors, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and abnormal lipid profiles.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoJodiJacobson / Getty Images
JodiJacobson / Getty Images
Nodules
A nodule is a general term for a growth or lump that is at least 1 centimeter in size. They can be found throughout various parts of the body.
Nodules can be benign or malignant.They can develop just below the skin or in deeper tissues like organs. Nodules can be solid, filled with liquid, or both.
Molluscum Contagiosum
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two topical agents for treating MC. Ycanth (cantharidin) is a topical treatment for people aged 2 and older. Your healthcare provider applies it every three weeks until the affected area is cleared.Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) is approved for people ages one and older and is applied daily for up to 12 weeks.
Lipomas
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoCristian Storto Fotografia / Getty Images
Cristian Storto Fotografia / Getty Images
Cysts
A cyst is a type of nodule that is a closed sac and can contain air, fluid, pus, or another substance. Most cysts are benign and are not cancerous.
Cysts can occur anywhere on the body. Where a cyst develops will depend upon what type of cyst it is. For example,ganglion cyststypically develop after microtrauma or minor injuries and occur along the joints or tendons of the wrists, hands, fingers, and feet.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Warts
Wartsare tiny, flat, skin-colored, noncancerous growths that appear when a virus infects the top layer of skin. Viruses that cause warts are included in thehuman papillomavirus (HPV)category.
People are more susceptible to this virus on the hands if they cut or damage the skin. Warts are contagious and can spread. They may go away on their own, but if they do not, many treatment options are available.
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosisis a precancerous skin condition that occurs on parts of the body that have not been protected from the sun. It looks like a reddish spot and can sometimes feel like sandpaper.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photoactinic keratosis.DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Bullae
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoZay Nyi Nyi / Getty Images
Zay Nyi Nyi / Getty Images
Should You Pop a Blister?
Keratosis Pilaris
When hair follicles do not exfoliate naturally, they can become clogged with dead skin and cause a bumpy skin rash calledkeratosis pilaris. This commonly occurs on thearms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks and results from a buildup of keratin in the pores.
Although it is not harmful, many people treat it because they do not like how it looks. Treatment options range from exfoliating products to prescriptions and procedures.
7 Rare Skin Diseases
Your provider will likely start with a physical examination, closely inspecting your skin. You may be referred to a dermatologist for further testing and treatment.
A wide variety of treatment options is available, depending on your diagnosis. Options include monitoring; using special cleansers, lotions, warm compresses, and medications (oral or topical); excising the skin bump; and treatment with lasers, peels, freezing, and more.
To determine the best treatment options, you should meet with your healthcare provider or dermatologist.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
Developing a blister from a tight pair of shoes or after a long golf trip doesn’t warrant a medical visit, but suspicious, unfamiliar bumps that are not healing should be examined.
Changes in the size, color, and shape of moles warrant askin cancer screening. Skin changes that linger and do not go away should also be evaluated.
Summary
Raised skin bumps on your body can have a variety of causes. Although not always aesthetically pleasing, most of these conditions are harmless.
20 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What are those bumps on my child’s skin?.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: Who gets and causes.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Anaphylaxis: symptoms and diagnosis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles (herpes zoster): signs and symptoms.American Cancer Society.Skin cancer.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Overview: Boils and Carbuncles.Amemiya A, Noguchi H, Oe M, et al.Factors associated with callus formation in the plantar region through gait measurement in patients with diabetic neuropathy: an observational case-control study.Sensors (Basel). 2020;20(17):4863. doi:10.3390/s20174863National Cancer Institute.Skin tags.Tripathy T, Singh BSTP, Kar BR.Association of skin tag with metabolic syndrome and its components: a case-control study from eastern India.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2019;10(3):284-287. doi:10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_238_18National Cancer Institute.Nodule.Centers for Disease Control.Molluscum contagiosum.Food and Drug Administration.Ycanth label.Food and Drug Administration.Zelsuvmi label.Copeland-Halperin LR, Pimpinella V, Copeland M.Combined liposuction and excision of lipomas: long-term evaluation of a large sample of patients.Plast Surg Int. 2015;2015:625396. doi:10.1155/2015/625396National Cancer Institute.Cyst.Trivedi NN, Schreiber JJ, Daluiski A.Blunt force may be an effective treatment for ganglion cysts.HSS J. 2016;12(2):100-104. doi:10.1007/s11420-016-9493-9American Academy of Dermatology Association.Warts: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Actinic keratosis: signs and symptoms.MedlinePlus.Bullae.
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What are those bumps on my child’s skin?.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: Who gets and causes.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Anaphylaxis: symptoms and diagnosis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles (herpes zoster): signs and symptoms.American Cancer Society.Skin cancer.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Overview: Boils and Carbuncles.Amemiya A, Noguchi H, Oe M, et al.Factors associated with callus formation in the plantar region through gait measurement in patients with diabetic neuropathy: an observational case-control study.Sensors (Basel). 2020;20(17):4863. doi:10.3390/s20174863National Cancer Institute.Skin tags.Tripathy T, Singh BSTP, Kar BR.Association of skin tag with metabolic syndrome and its components: a case-control study from eastern India.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2019;10(3):284-287. doi:10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_238_18National Cancer Institute.Nodule.Centers for Disease Control.Molluscum contagiosum.Food and Drug Administration.Ycanth label.Food and Drug Administration.Zelsuvmi label.Copeland-Halperin LR, Pimpinella V, Copeland M.Combined liposuction and excision of lipomas: long-term evaluation of a large sample of patients.Plast Surg Int. 2015;2015:625396. doi:10.1155/2015/625396National Cancer Institute.Cyst.Trivedi NN, Schreiber JJ, Daluiski A.Blunt force may be an effective treatment for ganglion cysts.HSS J. 2016;12(2):100-104. doi:10.1007/s11420-016-9493-9American Academy of Dermatology Association.Warts: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Actinic keratosis: signs and symptoms.MedlinePlus.Bullae.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What are those bumps on my child’s skin?.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: Who gets and causes.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Anaphylaxis: symptoms and diagnosis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles (herpes zoster): signs and symptoms.American Cancer Society.Skin cancer.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Overview: Boils and Carbuncles.Amemiya A, Noguchi H, Oe M, et al.Factors associated with callus formation in the plantar region through gait measurement in patients with diabetic neuropathy: an observational case-control study.Sensors (Basel). 2020;20(17):4863. doi:10.3390/s20174863National Cancer Institute.Skin tags.Tripathy T, Singh BSTP, Kar BR.Association of skin tag with metabolic syndrome and its components: a case-control study from eastern India.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2019;10(3):284-287. doi:10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_238_18National Cancer Institute.Nodule.Centers for Disease Control.Molluscum contagiosum.Food and Drug Administration.Ycanth label.Food and Drug Administration.Zelsuvmi label.Copeland-Halperin LR, Pimpinella V, Copeland M.Combined liposuction and excision of lipomas: long-term evaluation of a large sample of patients.Plast Surg Int. 2015;2015:625396. doi:10.1155/2015/625396National Cancer Institute.Cyst.Trivedi NN, Schreiber JJ, Daluiski A.Blunt force may be an effective treatment for ganglion cysts.HSS J. 2016;12(2):100-104. doi:10.1007/s11420-016-9493-9American Academy of Dermatology Association.Warts: overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Actinic keratosis: signs and symptoms.MedlinePlus.Bullae.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What are those bumps on my child’s skin?.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: Who gets and causes.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Anaphylaxis: symptoms and diagnosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles (herpes zoster): signs and symptoms.
American Cancer Society.Skin cancer.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Overview: Boils and Carbuncles.
Amemiya A, Noguchi H, Oe M, et al.Factors associated with callus formation in the plantar region through gait measurement in patients with diabetic neuropathy: an observational case-control study.Sensors (Basel). 2020;20(17):4863. doi:10.3390/s20174863
National Cancer Institute.Skin tags.
Tripathy T, Singh BSTP, Kar BR.Association of skin tag with metabolic syndrome and its components: a case-control study from eastern India.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2019;10(3):284-287. doi:10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_238_18
National Cancer Institute.Nodule.
Centers for Disease Control.Molluscum contagiosum.
Food and Drug Administration.Ycanth label.
Food and Drug Administration.Zelsuvmi label.
Copeland-Halperin LR, Pimpinella V, Copeland M.Combined liposuction and excision of lipomas: long-term evaluation of a large sample of patients.Plast Surg Int. 2015;2015:625396. doi:10.1155/2015/625396
National Cancer Institute.Cyst.
Trivedi NN, Schreiber JJ, Daluiski A.Blunt force may be an effective treatment for ganglion cysts.HSS J. 2016;12(2):100-104. doi:10.1007/s11420-016-9493-9
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Warts: overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Actinic keratosis: signs and symptoms.
MedlinePlus.Bullae.
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