Little bumps on skin: how to think about them

Bumps centred on hairs may be folliculitis, while heat and sweating can produce heat rash. Rough, evenly spaced bumps on the upper arms or thighs can occur with keratosis pilaris. Small pearly white bumps may be milia. A persistent itchy or scaly pattern can have other causes, including lichen planus. The same symptom can look different across skin tones, and several conditions can resemble one another.

Record when the bumps began and whether a new soap, cream, medicine, fabric, or activity came before them. Wash gently, moisturise with a plain product, and reduce heat, friction, and scratching. Avoid popping or freezing an undiagnosed bump at home. If itch disrupts sleep or daily activities, ask a pharmacist or clinician whether antihistamine treatment is appropriate. A diagnosed lesion may sometimes be treated with cryotherapy, but the diagnosis should come first.

Arrange an appointment if the bumps last, recur, spread, become painful, ooze, bleed, crust, or develop a changing colour or outline. Get urgent help for facial or tongue swelling, breathing trouble, a rapidly spreading rash, severe pain, or fever with skin redness. Take a clear photograph and list recent products or medicines for the visit.

Ask what diagnosis best matches the bump pattern, whether a medicine or contact trigger is possible, which ingredients to avoid, and how long to try the recommended skin care before review.