What should you know about dry skin bumps?

Small rough bumps on the upper arms or thighs are often associated with keratosis pilaris, while itchy bumps around hair follicles can occur with folliculitis. Sweat and friction may contribute to heat rash. Firm, pale bumps on the face can be milia. A darker, violaceous or persistently scaly area deserves a clinician’s view because lichen planus and other conditions can look different from simple dryness.

Notice whether the bumps are itchy, painful, red, blistered, spreading, or linked to a new product, shaving, heat, or exercise. A symptom page on skin bumps can help you describe the pattern.

Wash with lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Pat rather than scrub, then apply a thick moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp. Avoid picking, rough exfoliating tools, tight clothing, and fragranced products over the area. If itching is prominent, a pharmacist or clinician can advise whether antihistamine treatment is suitable. Do not squeeze facial bumps or use lesion treatments without knowing what the bump is.

Arrange an appointment if bumps persist despite gentle care, recur, spread, bleed, crust, or become painful. Seek prompt medical help for rapidly worsening swelling, widespread blistering, fever, facial or eye involvement, or trouble breathing. A clinician may examine the surface and hair follicles and decide whether testing or a targeted treatment is needed.

Could these bumps be folliculitis, keratosis pilaris, milia, heat rash, or another condition? Which moisturiser or active ingredient fits my skin? Should I stop shaving or a particular product? What changes would require earlier review?