Flat raised bumps on skin: what to know

Bumps may be skin-coloured, red, itchy, rough, tender or grouped. Folliculitis centres on hair follicles, while keratosis pilaris often feels rough and is common on the upper arms or thighs. Milia are small, firm, pale cysts. Heat Rash tends to occur where sweat and friction collect. Lichen Planus can produce grouped, itchy, flat-topped bumps.

The symptom alone does not identify one condition. Location, timing, recent products, shaving, sweating, medicines and whether the bumps contain fluid all help a clinician narrow the possibilities.

Use a gentle cleanser, lukewarm water and a plain moisturiser. Avoid squeezing, scrubbing, fragranced products and tight clothing over the area. Pause shaving or waxing if follicles are irritated, and keep sweaty skin cool and dry. Note when the bumps began and whether a new product, medicine or activity preceded them.

Treatment depends on the cause. A clinician may recommend a targeted cream or, for itch, Antihistamine Treatment. Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal) is reserved for selected diagnosed lesions, not unexplained bumps.

Arrange medical review if bumps persist, spread, recur, become painful, drain pus, form blisters, or interfere with sleep. Seek urgent help for rapidly worsening swelling, facial or lip swelling, breathing difficulty, fever with a spreading rash, or marked skin pain. Do not assume a persistent bump is harmless because it is small or only slightly raised.

Ask what features point toward folliculitis, heat rash, keratosis pilaris, milia or another diagnosis; whether a medicine or product could be contributing; what treatment is suitable for your skin type; and which changes should prompt a faster review.