How is skin bumps treated?

Bumps can arise around hair follicles, from irritation, viral infection, blocked glands, or harmless skin growths. Folliculitis may need changes to shaving, friction, or skin care, while itchy bumps may be helped by an oral antihistamine treatment recommended for you. Molluscum contagiosum can spread by skin contact and may be monitored or treated according to its location and symptoms.

Small, stable bumps such as syringomas or dermatosis papulosa nigra may not need medical treatment. If removal is wanted, a dermatologist can discuss cryotherapy or skin tag removal when suitable. Do not squeeze, cut, or burn an unidentified bump.

Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansing and avoid picking. Pause shaving or products that clearly worsen irritation, and keep towels and razors personal if bumps could be contagious. Note when the bumps appeared, whether they itch or hurt, and any new medicine, cosmetic, sweat, or friction exposure. A clear photograph can help show change between appointments.

Book an assessment for a bump that grows, bleeds, changes colour, becomes firm or painful, or does not settle. Seek prompt care for rapidly spreading redness, pus, fever, facial swelling, or eye involvement. New clusters in a child or bumps affecting several household members also deserve advice about possible spread.

Ask what features identify the bump, whether a sample is needed, and whether watchful monitoring is reasonable. If removal is considered, ask about the method, wound care, pigment changes, scarring, and the chance that another bump could appear.