What should you know about a small hard white bump under the skin?

Milia are tiny, firm, pearl-like cysts containing trapped keratin, commonly seen on the face. Keratosis pilaris can create rough, pale bumps around hair follicles, especially on the upper arms or thighs. Folliculitis is more likely when bumps are centred on hairs and become tender, red, or itchy. Heat, friction, or a new product can also irritate follicles. A clinician may inspect the surface, feel the lesion, and ask how long it has been present before naming it.

Wash gently with lukewarm water, avoid squeezing or piercing the bump, and pause products that sting or clog the area. Do not scrape away a white tip; breaking the skin can introduce infection or leave a mark. If several rough follicular bumps are present, a gentle moisturiser may help the texture. Treatment depends on the diagnosis; a clinician may remove selected milia or consider cryotherapy for an appropriate lesion.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if the bump grows, bleeds, becomes painful, drains, changes colour, or keeps returning. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, or swelling near the eye. A persistent lump that does not behave like a simple surface bump deserves an examination rather than home removal.

Ask whether the bump looks like milia, folliculitis, keratosis pilaris, or another lesion; whether a medicine or procedure is needed; and how to reduce irritation without causing a scar.