What should you know about tiny colorless bumps on skin?

Skin-coloured rough bumps on the upper arms or thighs may be keratosis pilaris. Smooth, firm, pale bumps can be milia. Bumps around hairs may reflect folliculitis, especially after shaving, sweating, or friction. Heat rash can be subtle on early skin tones, and a persistent patterned or scaly change can have another cause, including lichen planus.

Colour alone is not enough to tell these apart. A clinician considers the surface, depth, arrangement, duration, and symptoms. Taking a clear photo when the bumps are most visible can help describe their course.

Cleanse gently, moisturise with a simple non-fragranced product, and avoid picking or abrasive scrubs. Reduce friction from tight clothing and pause any new product that causes stinging. If the bumps are linked with heat, keep the area cool and dry. A clinician can recommend a suitable treatment after identifying the cause; do not assume a strong exfoliant or steroid is appropriate.

Arrange a review if bumps persist, spread, itch repeatedly, become inflamed, bleed, form a sore, or change in shape or texture. Get urgent help for facial swelling, breathing trouble, fever with rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, or swelling around an eye.

Ask which features point toward a follicular, sweat-related, or keratin-related cause, and whether your skincare routine should change. Ask how long to observe the area and which changes should prompt an earlier review.