Raised skin bumps are very common, and in most cases they’re harmless. They can result from a number of conditions, including:
an infection
an allergic reaction
a skin disorder
skin cancer
Skin bumps can vary in appearance and number depending on the cause. They may be the same color as your skin or a different color. They may be itchy or non-itchy, large or small. Some can be hard while others can feel soft and movable.
Most skin bumps don’t need treatment. However, you should speak with your doctor if your bumps are causing discomfort. You should also call your doctor if you’re concerned about any changes in your bumps or in the overall condition of your skin.
Many conditions can cause raised bumps to appear on your skin. The most common causes of bumps are harmless and don’t require medical treatment, unless you have discomfort. Here are some of the possible reasons for raised skin bumps:
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It causes skin bumps that can range from very small and painless to large and painful. The bumps are usually accompanied by redness and swelling.
Allergic eczema is an allergic skin reaction that produces an itchy, red skin rash. The rash may consist of raised, red bumps that ooze, drain, or crust.
Angiomas are common skin growths that can form on most areas of the body. They develop when blood vessels clump together and create a raised, bright red bump under or on the skin.
Boils are infected hair follicles that look like red, raised bumps on the skin. They can be painful, but they eventually go away once they burst and release fluid.
Cold sores are red, fluid-filled bumps that form around the mouth or other areas of the face, which can burst. They are caused by a common virus called herpes simplex.
Corns or calluses are rough, thickened areas of skin. They are most often found on the feet and hands.
Cysts are growths that contain fluid, air, or other substances. They develop under the skin in any part of the body. They feel like a small ball and can usually be moved around slightly.
Insect stings and bites are often itchy and swollen. They may cause pain that lingers.
Keloids are smooth, raised growths that form around scars. They are most commonly found on the chest, shoulders, and cheeks.
Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition marked by an overgrowth of a protein called keratin. It causes small bumps around hair follicles on the body.
Lipomas are collections of fatty tissue under the skin and are often painless. They usually form on the neck, back, or shoulders.
Moles are flat or raised bumps on the skin that are usually benign. They can be skin-colored or dark brown.
Molluscum contagiosum are small, flesh-colored bumps with a dimple in the center that often form in all parts of the body. They can arise from skin-to-skin contact with someone affected with them.
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaly, itchy, red patches to form on the skin. It can affect any area of the body.
Seborrheic keratoses are round, rough spots on the surface of the skin. They can affect many areas of the body, including the chest, shoulders, and back. They may be skin-colored, brown, or black.
Skin tags are small, fleshy flaps of skin. They usually grow on the neck or in the armpits. They may be the same color as the skin or slightly darker.
Warts are raised, rough bumps caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They typically develop on the hands and feet. They may be skin-colored, pink, or slightly brown.