Raised bumps on hands and arms: what to know

Bumps on hair-bearing arm skin may be folliculitis or keratosis pilaris, especially when they centre on follicles. Spots on the palms or fingers may instead relate to friction, warts, eczema-like irritation, or a deeper lump. Itchy clusters after heat or sweating can fit heat rash; flat-topped itchy bumps in a particular pattern may need assessment for lichen planus. Note whether both sides are involved, whether the surface is rough, and whether pain, scale, or fluid is present. Skin Bumps is a useful starting point.

Keep a brief record of new products, gloves, detergents, hobbies, heat exposure, and any injury before the bumps appeared. Clean gently, moisturise dry skin, and reduce rubbing. Do not squeeze or scrape lesions, share towels, or apply several medicated products at once. If itching disrupts sleep, ask a clinician or pharmacist about Antihistamine Treatment and possible interactions with your medicines.

Book a review when bumps persist, spread, recur, or affect movement, sensation, or sleep. Seek prompt help for rapidly spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, severe pain, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or swelling of the hand. A clinician can decide whether the distribution calls for treatment, a skin sample, or another test.

Ask which features distinguish irritation from infection or a wart, whether any current products should stop, and what timeline or warning signs should trigger follow-up.