Should I Worry About Those Small Bumps on My Skin?

Those small, smooth red bumps that suddenly appear on your skin — especially on your torso — are most likely cherry angiomas. They can be as small as a dot or as big as a pencil top eraser. You’re more likely to get them after age 40.

You do not need medical treatment unless their appearance bothers you. A dermatologist can remove them with laser treatment or shaving. However, scarring may happen based on the size of the angioma.

Cysts are small round sacs under the skin filled with fluid, air or semi-solid material. Infection, irritation or clogged oil glands all may cause cysts.

Most cysts feel soft and are painless. Some cysts may feel firm if inflamed or deeper in the tissue.

Ganglion cysts are bumps that often form near joints or tendons in the wrist or fingers. These cysts can cause pain or weakness in that area. Ganglion cysts often go away on their own over time without any treatment. 

“Cysts that cause problems may need treatment,” says Dr. Qin. “Often, draining the cyst through a tiny incision may provide relief. If the cyst is inflamed, a cortisone injection may help. Infected cysts may also respond to antibiotics.”

Surgery to remove the cyst is an option if other treatments do not work or if the cyst returns. The surgery usually requires only a small incision in the skin.

These are firm, raised, often reddish-brown or purple bumps that usually appear on the arms, legs or upper back.

These benign growths often resemble small scars. Their exact cause is not always known, but they may develop after minor skin injuries.

They are typically painless, though they may itch or be tender to touch. They don’t require treatment unless they become bothersome.

This is a common skin problem caused by infected hair follicles. It can show up as small, red, itchy bumps filled with pus on the scalp, thighs or face.

Anyone can get this condition, but it is more common in people with diabetes or a weak immune system.

Treatment may include topical or oral antibiotics. Antifungal medicine is needed if fungal infection is suspected. Keeping the area clean and avoiding further irritation can help prevent it from coming back.

Hives are red, raised, itchy bumps that appear suddenly. They are often caused by allergies or stress.

Hives can last from a few hours to several days. Antihistamines can help reduce itching by suppressing the allergic reaction that triggers their production. Cool compresses may also provide relief.

“Identifying and avoiding whatever triggers your hives are the best ways to prevent them,” says Dr. Qin. “If hives last for more than a few days, occur often, or are accompanied by difficulty breathing or other symptoms, see your doctor.”

Keloids are raised scars that grow beyond an injured area. They can look shiny, pink or purple. Keloids may also be itchy or feel hard.

While they are not harmful, they can feel uncomfortable or change your appearance.

Treatment options may include surgery, laser therapy, corticosteroid injections or cryotherapy (freezing).

Lipomas are slow-growing, benign, soft tissue tumors made up of fat cells. You may have a single lipoma or multiple. They often develop under the skin on the trunk, shoulders, neck or arms. They typically feel soft or rubbery.

While lipomas are usually harmless, they should be checked by a doctor if they grow quickly, become painful or press on nearby nerves.

If removal is needed, a lipoma can be surgically removed through a small incision. Liposuction can remove the lipoma through suction.

In rare cases, a fast-growing lump could be liposarcoma, a type of cancer. A biopsy or imaging may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Moles are common skin growths that can appear anywhere on the body. They often show up as small brown or black spots and can vary in size, shape and color.

Most moles are harmless and don’t require treatment, but non-cancerous moles can be removed with a minor surgical procedure for cosmetic or comfort reasons.

Skin cancers are among the most common types of cancer in the United States. The main types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal and squamous cell cancers grow slowly and are usually treatable when found early. Melanoma is less common but can be more serious if not caught early. All three can appear in existing moles, new spots or other areas of skin, so it’s important to watch for changes over time.

To spot warning signs of melanoma, remember the ABCDEs:

• Asymmetry – One half of the mole doesn't match the other
• Border – Edges are irregular, ragged or blurred
• Color – Uneven colors like brown, black, red, pink, blue or white
• Diameter – Larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser)
• Evolving – Any change in size, shape, color or new symptoms like itching or bleeding

See your doctor if you notice any of these signs, or if a mole or skin spot bleeds, itches, becomes scaly or changes noticeably. A skin biopsy may be needed to confirm a diagnosis. Also, get an annual skin check, especially if you have many moles, fair skin, a history of sunburns or significant sun exposure. Suspicious growths can often be removed safely in the office.

Warts are small non-cancerous skin growths caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They may be rough or smooth, raised or flat, and often appear on the hands, fingers, feet or knees but can occur almost anywhere on the body.

Warts are contagious and can spread to other areas of the body or to other people.

Most warts go away on their own, though it can take months to years. You should see a dermatologist if a wart is painful, itchy or bleeding, spreading or multiplying, located on a sensitive area, such as the face or genitals, or not improving with over-the-counter treatments.

There are several removal options, including cryotherapy, topical medications, laser therapy or minor surgical procedures.

Most skin bumps are harmless. They often go away on their own or are easy to treat. However, it is wise to have any lump checked if it changes, hurts or lasts a long time.

Finding a problem early can give you peace of mind and, in rare cases, lead to better outcomes.