What should you know about crusty bumps on skin?

A bump may crust after scratching, drainage or surface irritation. Folliculitis can create inflamed bumps around hairs, while Heat Rash is linked with sweat and blocked ducts. Keratosis Pilaris tends to feel rough and follicle-based, whereas Milia are small, firm cysts and usually do not behave like open sores. Lichen Planus can produce itchy, inflamed lesions. Skin Bumps gives broader symptom context.

Do not squeeze, scrape or repeatedly pick the area. Wash gently, pat dry and use a plain moisturiser if the surrounding skin is dry. Note when it appeared, whether it changes, and whether itch, pain, warmth or discharge is present. A clinician may use examination or a small sample to identify the cause. Treatment can range from itch relief with Antihistamine Treatment to removal of a selected lesion with Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal).

Arrange a medical review for a bump that persists, enlarges, bleeds, repeatedly crusts, changes colour or fails to heal. Seek prompt care for rapidly spreading redness, marked pain, pus with fever, or swelling near an eye. A changing lesion deserves examination even when it does not hurt.

Ask which features point to the likely cause, whether a sample is needed, how to protect the area while it heals, and what change should trigger an earlier appointment.